症例 challenge · Respiratory / Emergency · teaching

Pleural Effusion (Light's Criteria) — Pathway · case challenge

Given a case, work through the care pathway step by step; the tool checks each choice and scores you. Decisions and basis are taken from this site's reviewed care pathways.

← View the full flowchartBased on Light 1972

Case #1Respiratory / Emergency

📋 Case data

Light's criteria classificationNone met (transudate)

Data is taken from this pathway's reviewed node text. Work through the pathway step by step.

Step 1 / 1 · Light's criteria classification

After thoracentesis, Light's criteria — exudate or transudate?

💡 Diagnostic thoracentesis, send pleural fluid + serum protein and LDH (and cell count/differential, glucose, pH, culture, cytology, ADA-TB, triglycerides as needed). Light's criteria (any one met = exudate): 1) pleural/serum protein >0.5; 2) pleural/serum LDH >0.6; 3) pleural LDH >2/3 the upper limit of normal serum LDH. Suspected hemothorax/empyema → emergency chest drainage (before classification).

For teaching. Decisions and their basis are taken from this site's reviewed care pathways; for licensed clinicians/trainees, this does not replace clinical judgment or local protocols.