Pericardial inflammation always produces purulent fluid.

This statement is **false**. The character of fluid depends on the aetiology and may be **serous, fibrinous, purulent, or hemorrhagic**. Therefore, purulent fluid is one possible form, not an inevitable finding in every case. This distinction matters because pericardial disease has infectious and non-infectious causes, and fluid characteristics reflect differing underlying processes. **Key takeaway:** Pericardial effusions are not uniform; their character varies with the cause. **Glossary:** **Effusion**: excess fluid within a body space. **Purulent**: containing pus. **Hemorrhagic**: containing blood.