Plueral Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
Anatomic Alterations
A
- lung compression
- atelectasis
- compression of the great veins and decreased cardiac venous return
2
Q
fluid collection first appears in what angle?
A
costophrenic angle (“gutter”)
3
Q
signs & symptoms
A
- pleuritic chest pain
- pressure
- dyspnea and dry cough
- cyanosis
- increased HR, RR, BP
4
Q
Chest assessment
A
- diminished BS
- pleural friction rub
- tracheal shift
- decreased tactile & vocal fremitus
- dull percussion note
- displaced heart sounds
5
Q
Transudate characteristics (Increased hydrostatic pressure)
A
thin, watery clear few blood cells little protein & cholesterol no clot
6
Q
Exudate characteristics (increased capillary permeability)
A
cloudy thicker cellular debris protein (>3 g/dl) cholesterol (<45 mg/dl) pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase >60% of upper limit for serum
7
Q
Common cause of Transudative Pleural Effusion
A
Left CHF
pulmonary embolism
8
Q
Common cause of Exudative Pleural Effusion
A
Lung infections: TB fungal disease malignant pleural effusion & mesotheliomas bacterial pneumonia
9
Q
Empyema
A
collection of pus, infection
10
Q
chylothorax
A
collection of lymphatic fluid
11
Q
hemothorax
A
collection of blood
12
Q
Chest XRAY
A
costophrenic angle is blunted fluid level on the affected side depressed diaphragm mediastinal shift to UNAFFECTED SIDE atelectasis meniscus sign - C shape layering of fluid
13
Q
Treatment
A
treat the underlying cause
transudate = CHF
exudate = lung infection
needle aspiration/chest tube
