MEDRADSC 3C03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Pleural Effusion, Costodiaphragmatic Recess, Pleural Cavity

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Medical Radiation Sciences
• Course: MEDRADSC 3C03
• Professor: Meaghan Jefferson

Document Summary

Complete drainage of the fluid has multiple pros: alleviating s&s for the patient, decreasing the # of punctures. To prevent re-expansion pulmonary edema (patient on blood thinners at a higher risk) Lungs can only re-expand so fast at one time without concern for this. Max volume per day to be removed is 1500 ml without concerns for pulmonary edema. Pleural effusion = a build on fluid between the lungs & the chest cavity - within the pleural space. Transudate: due to hydrostatic pressure changes as chf, cirrhosis, & hypoalbuminemia. Exudate: due to inflammation/infection of pleura as in malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia etc. Pus: empyema from infections - microorganisms - abscess introduced into the space. Chyle: from rupture of thoracic duct - lymph fluid that builds up in the chest. When ascites fluid or pleural fluid is removed, patients will experience discomfort from re-expansion of lung. Cramping, stitch type pain, will have a pins & needles sensation.