Included In This Lesson
Study Tools
Pleural Effusion
(Image)
Outline
Pleural Effusion
Definition/Etiology:
Abnormal collection of fluid in pleural space- Not a disease, but symptom
Causes:
heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition, pneumonia, cancer, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, infected wound, lung abscess, tumor, fibrosis, trauma, or infection
Pathophysiology:
????? TBD
Clinical Presentation:
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Chest pain — mild to severe
- Dullness to percussion over effusion
- Decreased breath sounds on affected side
- Pleural friction rub
- Sounds like creaking, walking on fresh snow, or rubbing your fingers together next to your ear
- Decreased chest expansion on affected side
Collaborative Management:
Assessments:
- AP, lateral chest X-ray
- CT or transthoracic ultrasound
- Pleural aspiration
Interventions:
- ABCs
- Supplemental oxygen
- Provide analgesia
- Identify and treat underlying cause
- Needle thoracentesis or chest tube if large and compromising respirations
Evaluation | Patient Monitoring | Education:
- Level of consciousness
- Hemodynamic status
- Cardiac rate and rhythm
- Breath sounds and pulse oximetry
- Pain relief
Linchpins: (Key Points)
“Water on the lungs” not in the lungs
Transcript
For more great CEN prep, got to the link below to purchase the “Emergency Nursing Examination Review” book by Dr. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PHD
https://greatnurses.com/
References:
- Emergency Nurses Association. (2017) Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum, 7th Edition. PA: Saunders
- Egging, D. (2017). Respiratory Emergencies and Thoracic Trauma. In CEN Online Review. Emergency Nurses Association.
Mike Isaacs, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN 
