Which treatment is appropriate for pleural effusion?

Chest tube placement is the appropriate treatment for pleural effusion because it directly addresses the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. This procedure involves inserting a tube into the pleural cavity to drain excess fluid, which helps relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest discomfort. By removing the fluid, chest tube placement can also help restore normal lung function and allow for proper expansion during breathing.

Other treatments mentioned, such as oral antibiotics, are not indicated for pleural effusion unless there's an underlying infection such as pneumonia causing the effusion. Radiation therapy is typically used for malignancies and is not a first-line approach for treating a pleural effusion. Inhaled corticosteroids primarily target inflammation in the airways and are not effective in managing fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Thus, chest tube placement stands out as the most direct and effective intervention for addressing a pleural effusion.