Which term describes abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity around the heart?

Which term describes abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity around the heart?

• A. Melena
• B. Pleural effusion
• C. Medial
• D. Icteric

Answer: (B)

Understanding the term for fluid buildup in a thoracic cavity is about naming the space involved. When fluid accumulates in the pleural space (the thin gap between the lungs and chest wall), that condition is called a pleural effusion. In contrast, fluid specifically around the heart is called a pericardial effusion. The question’s wording points to the chest cavity around the heart, but among the given choices, the term that matches a fluid collection in a thoracic cavity is pleural effusion. Melena means digested blood in stool, icteric describes jaundice, and medial means toward the midline—these do not describe fluid in the chest.

Understanding the term for fluid buildup in a thoracic cavity is about naming the space involved. When fluid accumulates in the pleural space (the thin gap between the lungs and chest wall), that condition is called a pleural effusion. In contrast, fluid specifically around the heart is called a pericardial effusion. The question’s wording points to the chest cavity around the heart, but among the given choices, the term that matches a fluid collection in a thoracic cavity is pleural effusion.

Melena means digested blood in stool, icteric describes jaundice, and medial means toward the midline—these do not describe fluid in the chest.