What procedure is used for both diagnosing and treating a pleural effusion?

• A. Thoracentesis
• B. Chest physiotherapy
• C. Thoracotomy
• D. Bronchoscopy

Answer: (A)

Thoracentesis is used both to diagnose and to treat a pleural effusion. By removing pleural fluid, you can analyze the sample to determine the cause (such as infection, malignancy, or heart failure–related transudate) and tailor further management. Draining the fluid also provides immediate symptomatic relief from dyspnea caused by the effusion. Ultrasound guidance can improve safety and accuracy.

Chest physiotherapy helps clear airways and secretions, but it doesn’t access the pleural space or drain an effusion. Thoracotomy is a major surgical procedure for more extensive chest operations and isn’t the first-line method to diagnose or manage a simple effusion. Bronchoscopy examines the airways inside the lungs and does not address pleural fluid.