Concept and Etiology: Pleural effusion affects the respiratory system
by causing difficulty breathing. Pleural effusion happens when there
is an excessive amount of fluid located in the pleural cavity and it
limits the expansion of the lungs during inhalation (Story, 2018). This
can occur in one or both lungs.
Classification: This disease can be fixed by having the extra fluid
removed so that they lungs can fully expand. The way that the fluid
can be removed is by thoracentesis, placement of a chest drainage
tube and antibiotics (Story, 2018).
Clinical Manifestations: The symptoms and signs of pleural effusion
include dyspnea, chest pain, tachypnea, tracheal deviation,
diminished or absent lung sounds, dullness to percussion, tachycardia,
and pleural friction rub (Story, 2018).
Diagnostic Test: The way to test for a pleural effusion includes
history, physical examination, chest X-ray, CT, ABGs, CBC and
thoracentesis (Story, 2018).
References
Story, L. (2018). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach. Burlington:
Jones & Bartlett Learning.
