When a patient has pneumonia, which of the following would be found in the alveolar effusion fluids?

1. Mucus
2. Serum fluid
3. Saliva
4. Red blood cells
a. 1, 3
b. 2, 4
c. 2, 3
d. 1, 2, 3, 4

B
During the inflammatory processes found with pneumonia, the effusion fluids in the alveoli will contain serum fluid, red blood cells, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. Saliva is found in the mouth, and mucus is found in the airways. Neither will be found in the alveoli.