Pleural Effusion Definition, Etiology, Signs and Symptoms

Pleural Effusion Definition

Pleural effusion is buildup of fluid in the pleural space, a primary disease process are rare but usually occurs secondary to other diseases. Effusion may be a clear liquid, which may be a transudate, exudate, or may be blood or pus (Baughman C Diane, 2000)

Pleural effusion is a collection of fluid in the pleural space which lies between the visceral and parietal surfaces, primary disease process is rare but is usually a secondary disease to other diseases. Normally, the pleural space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 ml) serves as a lubricant that allows the pleural surface to move without friction. (Smeltzer C Suzanne, 2002).

Pleural effusion is a term used for the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity. (Price C Sylvia, 1995)


Pleural Effusion Etiology

Barriers resorption of fluid from the pleural cavity, because of the dam as in cardiac decompensation, renal disease, mediastinal tumor, Meig syndrome (ovarian tumor) and superior vena cava syndrome.

Formation of excess fluid, due to inflammation (tuberculosis, pneumonia, viral), bronchiectasis, sub-Phrenic amoebic abscess penetrating into the pleural cavity, because the tumor where the incoming fluid and bleeding due to trauma.

Excess fluid can accumulate in the pleural cavity neoplastic disease process, thromboembolic, cardiovascular, and infection. This is caused by at least one of the four basic mechanisms:

• Increase in capillary pressure or subpleural lymphatics.
• Decrease in colloid osmotic pressure of blood.
• Increase in negative intrapleural pressure.
• Inflammatory or neoplastic pleura.

Pleural Effusion Signs and Symptoms

• The existence of liquid deposits resulting in pain due to friction, after fluid lost quite a lot of pain. When a lot of fluid, the patient will be short of breath.
• The existence of the cause of disease symptoms such as fever, chills, and chest pain pleurisy (pneumonia), high heat (cocci), sub-febrile (tuberculosis), a lot of sweat, cough, lots of ripples.
• Tracheal deviation away from sore spots may occur if there is a significant accumulation of pleural fluid.
• Physical examination in the state of lying and sitting would be different, because the liquid will move. The sick will be less engaged in breathing, fremitus weakened (touch and vocals), the region was found percussion dullness, sits in a state of liquid surface forming a curved line (line "Ellis Damoiseu") .
• Was found ; triangle Garland, the percussion area at the top of the line dim timpani "Ellis Domiseu". Triangle "Grocco - Rochfusz", ie volatile region as fluid pushed mediastinum to the other side, this area was found on auscultation with a weakened vesicular rales.
• At the beginning and end of the disease, pleural audible crackles.

Nursing Care Plan for Pleural Effusion