**Core Concept**
Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can be caused by various conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, or malignancy. The glucose level in pleural fluid can provide valuable information about the underlying cause of the effusion.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pleural effusions with low glucose levels are typically associated with exudative effusions, which are characterized by high protein and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. These effusions are often seen in conditions such as malignancy, tuberculosis, and empyema, where the pleural fluid is rich in inflammatory cells and metabolic byproducts. The low glucose levels in these effusions are due to the consumption of glucose by inflammatory cells and the release of lactate.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that can cause pleural effusions with low glucose levels. The pleural fluid in these cases typically shows high levels of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.

**Option B:** This option is incorrect because cardiac tamponade is a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, leading to compression of the heart. However, the pleural fluid in cardiac tamponade typically shows low glucose levels due to the systemic inflammatory response and increased metabolic activity.

**Option C:** This option is incorrect because pulmonary embolism is a condition where a blood clot forms in the lungs, leading to pulmonary infarction. However, the pleural fluid in pulmonary embolism typically shows high glucose levels due to the lack of significant inflammation.

**Option D:** This option is incorrect because tuberculous pleuritis is a condition where the pleura is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to the formation of an exudative pleural effusion with low glucose levels. The pleural fluid in these cases typically shows high levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pleural effusions with low glucose levels are typically exudative and associated with malignancy, tuberculosis, and empyema. It is essential to consider these conditions in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions with low glucose levels.

**Correct Answer: D. Tuberculous pleuritis is characterized by an exudative pleural effusion with low glucose levels.**