Plural effusion Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is a pleural effusion?
Fluid collection between the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura
What causes pleural effusions?
Infections, tumors, or trauma
What is the similarity between a pleural effusion and a blister?
Both involve fluid accumulation due to trauma to tissues
What happens to lung capacity in the presence of a large effusion?
It decreases lung capacity and causes dyspnea
What symptom may be difficult to hear through a pleural effusion?
Breath sounds
How can a patient’s position affect breathing with a pleural effusion?
It may cause more dyspnea
What position do patients usually prefer when experiencing dyspnea due to pleural effusion?
Fowler position
What type of care should be provided to a patient with pleural effusion?
Supportive care, including proper positioning and aggressive supplemental oxygen administration
What is thoracentesis?
A procedure to drain large pleural effusions
What is a potential benefit of performing thoracentesis?
Immediate relief of symptoms
Fill in the blank: Effusions can contain _______ liters of fluid.
several
