Session 10- Pleural Effusion

Question 1

what is a pleural effusion

Answer 1

imbalance between rate of production by systemic capillaries and absorption by lymphatic system

Question 2

what is a simple effusion

Answer 2

when the fluid is pleural fluid- can be transudate or exudate

Question 3

what is a haemothorax

Answer 3

when the fluid is blood- trauma

Question 4

what is a chylothorax

Answer 4

when the fluid is lymph

Question 5

what is empyema

Answer 5

when the fluid is pus

Question 6

symptoms of pleural effusion

Answer 6

SOB

Pleuritic chest pain

Question 7

signs of pleural effusion

Answer 7

trachea deviation if it is a large pleural effusion
reduced chest movement on affected side
stony dull sounds on percussion
reduced/absent breath sounds on affected side
reduced vocal resonance

Question 8

radiological findings on pleural effusion

Answer 8

meniscus

Question 9

how can we investigate pleural effusion

Answer 9

pleural aspiration

ultrasound guided procedure

Question 10

how do we treat pleural effusion

Answer 10

chest aspiraton

if recurrent effusions- indwelling pleural catheter for intermittent drainage
pleurodesis- obliteraton of the pleural space