6 Pleural Effusion Nursing Care Plans
It is a collection of fluid in the pleural space of the lungs. Fluid normally resides in the pleural space and acts as a lubricant for the pleural membranes to slide across one another when we breathe. Fluid is constantly being added and reabsorbed by capillaries and lymph vessels in the pleura. When this recycling process is interrupted, a pleural effusion can result.
Causes
Physicians determine the cause of the effusion based on the type of fluid that is accumulating.
- Transudative (watery fluid) effusions: Heart failure, pulmonary embolism, cirrhosis, post open heart surgery, trauma
- Exudative (protein-rich fluid) effusions: Pneumonia , cancers, pulmonary embolism, kidney disease, inflammatory diseases
