Resp Flashcards
Define the term “pleural cavity”.
The potential space between parietal (outer) and visceral pleura (inner) is called the pleural cavity.
What is the normal content of the pleural cavity?
Normally a thin amount of serous fluid will be present in the pleural cavity which helps to lubricate the lungs against the parietal pleura during respiration.
What is the effect of breathing excessive fluid, or air, in to the pleural cavity?
The normal expansion and relaxation of the lungs during respiration will be disturbed, when air or excess fluid collects in the pleural cavity due to injury or infection.
Which pleura is pain sensitive?
The parietal pleura is pain sensitive.
What is pleural effusion?
A collection of fluid in the pleural cavity is called a pleural effusion. The fluid could be excess pleural fluid or some other fluid including blood derived from a damaged blood vessel eg after a stab wound.
A Physician wants to do a pleural tap (inserting a needle in to the pleural cavity to remove fluid) to a patient with pleural effusion
What is the ideal site for this procedure? Give reasons.
The needle is inserted in to the intercostal space close to the upper margin of the rib to avoid injury to the neurovascular bundle which runs in the costal groove close to the lower margin of the rib.
Second intercostal space in the midclavicular line, fourth or fifth intercostal space in the midaxillary line, are the ideal sites to do the procedure.
What are the dangers during this procedure - pleural tap?
c. During the procedure particular care should be taken not to injure the lungs, spleen or liver.
