2. DEFINITION
• Pleural effusion is an excessive accumulation of serous
fluid in the pleural space/cavity.
• Normal fluid in cavity : <20 ml
3. CAUSES
Secondary to condition such as ;
Pneumonia
Malignancy of lungs
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary infarction
Lung abscess, etc.
4. ASSESSMENT (MOCK)
DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS
CHIEF COMPLAINTS
- Patient complains of pain in chest, which
increases,
during breathing, coughing and even during
sneezing.
- Patient is having difficulty in breathing.
5. HISTORY
H/O PRESENT ILLNESS:
- Pleural effusion is often secondary to the
conditions such
as pneumonia, etc.
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY
-No other medical conditions in
past.
DRUG HISTORY
FAMILY HISTORY
7. CHEST PAIN : Present, Pleuritic
Assessment : VAS scale
WHEEZE : Present
OTHER SYMPTOMS : Fever, Wt. loss,
Fatigue and weakness.
8. OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT
GENERAL OBSERVATION
- Patient seems to be breathless.
LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS
- GCS scale
BODY BUILT
OBSERVATION OF CHEST
CHEST SHAPE :- Normal / depressed on affected
side
CHEST MOVEMENT :- Diminished
BREATHING PATTERN :- According to gender
TYPE OF BREATHING :- Tachypnoea
9. ON EXAMINATION
(VITALS)
TEMPERATURE :- Normal
RESPI. RATE :- Tachypnea
HEART RATE :-
BLOOD PRESSURE :-
ON PALPATION
TRACHEA : Normal/Central
TENDERNESS : Absent
TVF : Reduced
CHEST EXPANSION : Diminished on affected side
10. ON PERCUSSION
- Dull note on percussion.
ON AUSCULTATION
BREATH SOUNDS : Bronchial
FOREIGN SOUNDS : Crackles
INVESTIGATIONS