Which condition involves the accumulation of pus in the pleural space?

• A. Empyema
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Pulmonary edema

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is infection extending into the space between the layers of the pleura, leading to the collection of purulent material. When pus accumulates in the pleural space, that specific condition is called empyema. It’s a pus-filled pleural effusion driven by bacteria, often arising after pneumonia or another chest infection and requiring antibiotics plus drainage.

This differs from a pleural effusion, which is simply fluid in the pleural space and can be clear or infected, but isn’t defined by pus. Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue itself, not the pleural space (though it can lead to empyema if the infection spreads outward). Pulmonary edema is fluid buildup inside the lungs from heart or circulatory problems, not pus in the pleural space.

So the pus-filled pleural collection is what makes empyema the correct choice.