(^114) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Chest x-ray shows pleural effusion.
- Chest CT scan shows pleural effusion.
- Chest ultrasound shows pleural effusion.
- Thoracentesis (removal of fluid with a needle from the pleural space) shows
type of fluid.
TREATMENT
Fluid removal is performed either as a one-time procedure or with a chest tube,
to continuously allow for drainage of the fluid until the tube is removed. Supple-
mental oxygen may be needed to help meet the body’s needs.- Thoracentesis to remove the fluid.
- Chest tube to remove larger amounts of drainage over time.
- Oxygen as needed.
- Administer antibiotics for empyema:
- Selected according to results of culture and sensitivity study
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Impaired gas exchange
- Risk for infection
- Pain
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Administer supplemental oxygen therapy to help meet body’s needs.
- Monitor for changes in vital signs.
- Have the patient perform turning, coughing, deep-breathing exercises to
enhance lung expansion. - Monitor chest tube drainage for color, amount, and changes in drainage.
- Assure patency of chest tube to make sure the tube is draining properly.