ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:
System Disorder
STUDENT NAME _____________________________________
Pleural Effusion
DISORDER/DISEASE PROCESS __________________________________________________________
Alterations in
Health (Diagnosis)
Pleural Effusion
REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
Pathophysiology Related
to Client Problem
result of chronic heart failure because
the heart cannot pump fluid away from
the lungs, fluid adds stress to
dysfunctioning heart
Health Promotion and
Disease Prevention
immunization against
pneumococcal pneumonia
ASSESSMENT
SAFETY
CONSIDERATIONS
Risk Factors
-heart failure
-bacterial pneumonia
-Pre-existing lung damage or disease.
-Chronic smokers.
-Neoplasia (e.g. lung cancer patients)
-Alcohol abuse. -Liver cirrhosis.
Expected Findings
-dry non-productive cough
-dyspnea
-muffled breath sounds
-chest pain
Laboratory Tests
Thoracentesis
Pleural Fluid analysis
Diagnostic Procedures
chest x-ray
CT Scan
Ultrasound of the chest
PATIENT-CENTERED CARE
Nursing Care
Identify and treat the underlying cause,
Monitor breath sounds, Place the client
in a high Fowler's position.
Encourage coughing and deep
breathing.
Therapeutic Procedures
-thorocentesis
-pleural sclerosis
-do not smoke
-drink liquids as
directed and rest
as needed
-deep breathing
and coughing will
decrease your risk
for a lung infection
-use pressure to
decrease pain.
Complications
Medications
-antibiotics
-diuretics
Client Education
-avoid physical activity
-avoid smoking and drinking
-remember to deep breath and
cough
-manage pain
Interprofessional Care
-respiratory therapy
-lung scarring,
-pneumothorax
(collapse of the
lung) as a
complication of
thoracentesis,
-empyema (a
collection of pus
within the pleural
space), and
-sepsis (blood
infection)
sometimes
leading to death.-