American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

In the management of small to moderate uncomplicated pleural effusion, what is an important parameter to monitor after treatment?

1. Heart rate

2. pH of pleural fluid

3. Respiratory rate

4. Cholesterol levels

The correct answer is: pH of pleural fluid

Monitoring the pH of pleural fluid is crucial after the treatment of small to moderate uncomplicated pleural effusion because the pH can provide valuable insights into the characteristics and potential underlying causes of the effusion. Changes in the pH level can indicate whether the effusion is transudative or exudative, which could guide further management or investigation. Although heart rate and respiratory rate are important vital signs to monitor in general clinical practice, they do not provide specific information regarding the aspects of the pleural effusion itself. Cholesterol levels, while relevant in evaluating certain types of effusions, are not typically monitored in the immediate post-treatment period for uncomplicated cases. This makes monitoring the pH of pleural fluid particularly relevant to understanding the effusion status and guiding further clinical decisions.