Thoracentesis Flashcards
What is the PRIMARY FUNCTION of THORACENTESIS?
Aspiration of fluid
What are the 3 FUNCTIONS of Thoracentesis?
Medication Administration, Aspiration, Diagnostic Tests
Medical term for FLUID in the pleural space?
Pleural effusion, pleurisy
Medical term for BLOOD in the pleural space?
Hemothorax
Medical term for PUS in the pleural space?
Empyema
Medical term for AIR in the pleural space?
Pneumothorax
What is the PRESSURE of atmospheric air and its force?
Positive pressure, pushing force
What is the PRESSURE of air in the lungs and its force?
Positive pressure, pushing force
What is the PRESSURE of air in the pleural cavity and its force?
Negative pressure, pulling force
What is the GOAL of aspiration?
To achieve LUNG REEXPANSION
What is the CAUSE of a PNEUMOTHORAX?
Due to excessive POSITIVE PRESSURE in the PLEURAL SPACE
What does a PNEUMOTHORAX lead to?
Atelectasis or lung collapse
What are the 2 DIAGNOSTIC TESTS done via a THORACENTESIS?
Biopsy and Culture & Sensitivity testing
What is the BEST ACCESS SITE for aspiration of AIR?
2nd or 3rd ICS (the higher the better: 2nd)
What is the ACCESS/PUNCTURE SITE of a THORACENTESIS ?
At the SIDE OF THE CHEST, in the INTERCOSTAL SPACE