A 36-year-old woman with pneumococcal pneumonia develops a right pleural effusion. The pleural fluid displays a high specific gravity and contains large numbers of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. Which of the following best characterizes this pleural effusion?

-The pleural effusion encountered in this patient represents excess fluid in a body cavity. Transudate-Edema fluid with low protein content Exudate-Edema fluid with high protein content. Purulent exudate or effusion contains a prominent cellular component (PMNs). Serous exudate or effusion is characterized by the absence of a prominent cellular response and has a yellow, straw like color. Fibrinous exudate (choice A) does not contain leukocytes. Serosanguineous exudate (choice D) contains RBCs and has a red tinge. Diagnosis: Bacterial pneumonia, pleural effusion