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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Getting to the heart of pleural effusions: a case study
Susan Mertin1, Jo-Ann V Sawatzky, William L Diehl-Jones
1St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. smertin@sbgh.mb.ca
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Nurse practitioners (NPs) can improve patient care by understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of unilateral pleural effusions. This knowledge aids in accurate assessment, differential diagnosis, and timely management of these common conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Pleural effusions are common clinical findings resulting from diverse pathophysiological processes.
- Effective management necessitates a thorough understanding of underlying mechanisms.
Observation:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on pleural effusion physiology and pathophysiology.
- A case study illustrates the integration of this knowledge into clinical practice for nurse practitioners.
Findings:
- Unilateral pleural effusions present with varied clinical manifestations.
- Comprehensive assessment and differential diagnosis are crucial for appropriate patient stratification.
Implications:
- Understanding the pathophysiology of pleural effusions empowers nurse practitioners in clinical decision-making.
- Accurate assessment and timely management optimize patient outcomes for pleural effusions.
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01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
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01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
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01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
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Clinical Manifestations:
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