Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) Practice Exam

What fluid characteristic is consistent with a chylothorax?

1. Clear yellow fluid

2. Milky white fluid

3. Pink frothy fluid

4. Thick red fluid

The correct answer is: Milky white fluid

A chylothorax is characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the pleural space, which is typically the result of lymphatic obstruction or injury. The distinguishing feature of chyle is its milky appearance due to the presence of triglycerides and lymphatic fluid, which is rich in lipids. When chyle leaks into the pleural cavity, it transforms the pleural effusion into a milky white fluid, making this characteristic a strong indicator of a chylothorax. The other fluid types listed present distinctly different characteristics that provide clues to other conditions: clear yellow fluid usually indicates transudate or uncomplicated pleural effusions, pink frothy fluid is often seen in pulmonary edema, and thick red fluid may indicate hemorrhagic processes or trauma. Thus, the milky white fluid is the hallmark of a chylothorax.