Pleural Fluid Analysis Flashcards
What happens to cause plural fluid?
There is a constant movement of fluid from the parietal plural capillaries into the pleural space.
Where does absorption of the pleural fluid occur?
Through the parietal pleural lymphatics
What is pleural effusion?
An abnormal accumulation of significant volume of fluid in the pleural space
Plural effusion may result from?
Inflammation of the structures adjacent to the plural space or from lesions within the chest
Pleural effusions may not cause any symptoms at all, and may be first discovered by?
Routine chest X-ray
When looking at a pleural fluid what does the pleural appearance tell you?
The gross appearance help to identify several types of pleural effusion
Milky white pleural fluid should be?
Centrifuged
Why should milk white pleural fluid be centrifuged?
Because you need to differentiate the difference between empyema and chylous.
Purulent fluid signifies
Empyema
A clean supernatant above a pellet of white cells indicates?
Empyema
A persistent turbid supernatant suggests a?
Chylous effusion
A chylous effusion is often from a traumatic?
Disruption of the thoracic duct
Transudates occur in the setting of?
Normal capillary integrity and suggest the ABSENCE of local pleural disease.
90% CHF
Exudates form as a result of pleural disease associated with increased?
Capillary permeability or reduced lymphatic drainage
What are the most common causes of exudative effusion?
Bacterial pneumonia and cancer
