Pleural Effusion

Question 1

Describe physiology of the Pleura?

Answer 1

The pleural cavity lies between the parietal pleura which is stuck to the chest wall and the Visceral Pleura which is stuck to the lungs

Question 2

Pleural cavity function?

Answer 2

Contains fluid acts as lubrication allowing lungs to slide back and forth as they expand and contract

Question 3

What is a Pleural Effusion?

Answer 3

An excess amount of fluid in the pleural cavity

Question 4

In simple terms what are the two causes of pleural effusion?

Answer 4

To much fluid is produced

To little fluid is drained away

Question 5

What are the three types of pleural effusion?

Answer 5

Transudative
Exudative
Lymphatic

Question 6

What causes as transudative pleural effusion?

Answer 6

Increased hydrostatic pressure in capillaries

Heart Failure due to increased pressure in pulmonary vessels which forces fluid out of capillaries into pleural space

Question 7

What causes an educative pleural effusion?

Answer 7

Exudative Pleural effusion is caused by an inflammation of the pulmonary vessels causing them to become more leaky: Caused by
-trauma, infection

Question 8

What is a lymphatic pleural effusion?

Answer 8

AKA Chylothorax - lymphatic fluid accumulates in pleural space

Common cause

• recent thoracic surgery
• tumours

Question 9

What determines the symptoms of a pleural effusion?

Answer 9

Its size

Question 10

Symptoms include?

Answer 10

• pleurisy
• SOB
• worse when lying down
• decreased breath sounds
• dull percussion
• decreased tactile remits
• tracheal deviation