Which term refers to air trapped in the pleural space?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Pleural effusion
• C. Atelectasis
• D. Hemothorax

Answer: (A)

Air trapped in the pleural space is called a pneumothorax. It happens when air enters the pleural cavity, eliminating the negative pressure that helps keep the lung expanded; as air accumulates, the lung can partly or fully collapse, causing chest pain and shortness of breath. Pleural effusion refers to fluid gathering in the pleural space, not air. Atelectasis is the collapse or incomplete expansion of lung tissue. Hemothorax is blood present in the pleural space.