Which of the following is true about exudative pleural effusions?

Exudative pleural effusions are characterized by their high protein content and an elevated presence of inflammatory cells. This distinguishes them from transudative effusions, which typically have lower protein and less cellular content. Exudates occur due to a variety of pathological processes, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammation, leading to an inflammatory response that increases vascular permeability. This allows proteins, cells, and other substances to leak into the pleural space, resulting in these characteristics.

Therefore, stating that exudative pleural effusions contain high levels of protein and inflammatory cells accurately reflects their physiological and pathological nature, emphasizing the significance of these features in clinical diagnosis and management. Understanding this distinction is crucial in respiratory care practice to properly evaluate and treat patients presenting with pleural effusions.