Plural Effusion Flashcards
Describe plural effusions
Plural effusions are characterised by an abnormal volume of fluid in the plural cavity
What are the causes of plural effusions
Transudates and exudates
What are transudates?
Plural effusions caused by an imbalance of hydrostatic imbalances
What are exudates?
Plural effusions caused by changes in permeability of the plural membranes
Which type of plural effusions require investigation?
Exudates
What are the signs of plural effusion?
Decreased chest expansion
bronchial breathing
Tracheal deviation
What are the symptoms of plural effusion
Shortness of breath
pluritic pain
dry cough
What investigations are used in plural effusions?
Thoracoscopy
Talc insufflation
Biobsy of fluid
What are the treatments of plural effusion?
Chest xray
CT scan
needle aspiration
Chest drain
