Which physical finding may be observed in a patient with empyema?

Which physical finding may be observed in a patient with empyema?

• A. Clubbing of fingertips
• B. Peripheral edema
• C. Jaundice
• D. Nystagmus

Answer: (A)

Clubbing of the fingertips may be observed in empyema because long-standing pulmonary infection and inflammation can lead to chronic hypoxia and vascular/tissue changes in the digits, producing the characteristic bulbous change in the nails. Empyema often arises from pneumonia or other chronic lung infections, and if the disease persists or coexists with other chronic lung conditions, digital clubbing can develop as a sign of prolonged pulmonary involvement. The other findings listed—peripheral edema, jaundice, and nystagmus—are not typical manifestations of empyema: edema points to fluid overload or heart/liver/kidney problems, jaundice to liver/biliary disease, and nystagmus to neurologic or vestibular issues, not to a pleural infection.

Clubbing of the fingertips may be observed in empyema because long-standing pulmonary infection and inflammation can lead to chronic hypoxia and vascular/tissue changes in the digits, producing the characteristic bulbous change in the nails. Empyema often arises from pneumonia or other chronic lung infections, and if the disease persists or coexists with other chronic lung conditions, digital clubbing can develop as a sign of prolonged pulmonary involvement. The other findings listed—peripheral edema, jaundice, and nystagmus—are not typical manifestations of empyema: edema points to fluid overload or heart/liver/kidney problems, jaundice to liver/biliary disease, and nystagmus to neurologic or vestibular issues, not to a pleural infection.