UKMLA Revision
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Respiratory1 UKMLA question

Pleural effusion — UKMLA Revision Notes

Pleural effusion is an important clinical condition in Respiratory that is tested in the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Medical students and doctors preparing for the UKMLA or PLAB 1 must understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and evidence-based management of Pleural effusion as outlined in current NICE guidelines.

Key Facts

  • Pleural effusion is a key condition on the GMC UKMLA Content Map
  • Commonly tested in the Respiratory section of the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test
  • Understand the pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, and management
  • NICE guidelines provide the evidence base for management decisions
  • Consider differential diagnoses and red flag symptoms in clinical scenarios

Investigations

  • Chest X-ray
  • Spirometry (FEV1/FVC)
  • ABG
  • CT chest
  • Sputum culture
  • Peak flow diary

Management

  • Smoking cessation advice and support
  • Inhaled bronchodilators (SABA/LABA)
  • Inhaled corticosteroids if indicated
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Oxygen therapy (target SpO₂ 94–98%)
  • Respiratory outpatient follow-up

Practice 1+ Pleural effusion Questions

Test your knowledge with SBA questions on Pleural effusion and all 430 UKMLA Content Map conditions. Instant feedback, NICE guideline explanations, and spaced repetition included.