Introduction, definition of pleural effusion, types, causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, management, surgical management, nursing management.

1. .
PLEURAL EFFUSION
PREPARED BY DOLISHA WARBI

2. INTRODUCTION:
The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity.
A pleura is a serous membrane that folds back on itself to form a two layered
membranous plural sac.
The outer layer is called the parietal pleura, and attached to the chest wall. The inner
layer is called the visceral pleura, and covered the lungs, blood vessels, nerves and
bronchi.
DEFINITION:
Pleural effusion is the collection of fluid around the lungs.
Also called “water on the lungs,” is the buildup of excess fluid between the layers of
the pleura outside the lungs.

3. TYPES:
Transudative pleural effusion:
It is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space.
This is from increased pressure in the blood vessels or a
low blood protein count. Heart failure is the most common
cause.
Exudative effusion:
Fluid of this kind comes from cancer or an infection
It is caused by blocked blood vessels or lymph vessels,
inflammation, infection, lung injury, or tumors.

4. CAUSES:
Congestive heart failure
Cancer
Pneumonia
Pulmonary embolism
Kidney diseases
Inflammatory diseases
Post open heart surgery
Abdominal surgery
Autoimmune diseases
Bleeding from chest trauma
Rare chest and abdominal infection
Exposure to asbestos
Certain medication
Radiation therapy

5. RISK FACTORS:
• Medical conditions that cause it.
• Tobacco products.
• Exposure to asbestos.
SYMPTOMS:
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Hiccups
• Fever
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Weight loss

6. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION:
• Chest X- ray
• CT – Scan
• Ultrasound
• Thoracentesis or biopsy
• Pleural fluid analysis
MANAGEMENT:
Treat the causes
In case of pneumonia – antibiotic treatment
ABCs resuscitation
Oxygen supplement
Tube thoracotomy
Medication – beta blockers, ergot alkaloid, nitrofurantoin
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

7. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT:
Vedio-assisted thoracoscopy
Surgical pleurectomy/Decortication
Pleuroperitoneal shunt
Thoracenthesis

8. NURSING MANAGEMENT:
§ Assess the patient condition
§ Monitor the vital signs
§ Check for the presence of respiratory secretion
§ Identify and treat the underlying causes
§ Place the patient in high fowler position
§ Encourage deep breathing exercise
§ Prepare patient for thoracentesis
§ Prepare client for surgical intervention
§ Provide post care to the client e.g., dressing
§ Administered required oxygen to the patient
§ Encourage soft liquid diet to the patient
§ Assist client in using relaxation technique

9. THANKS YOU