A patient has a transudative pleural effusion but has minimal symptoms. What action by the healthcare professional is best?
A)Prepare for an immediate chest tube insertion.
B)Encourage the patient to use the incentive spirometer.
C)Facilitate a blood draw to check protein stores.
D)Arrange for an oncology consultation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In transudative pleural effusion, the fluid, or transudate, is watery and diffuses out of the capillaries as a result of disorders that increase intravascular hydrostatic pressure or decrease capillary oncotic pressure. Examples are congestive heart failure, in which venous and left atrial pressures are increased, and liver or kidney disorders that cause hypoproteinemia. Hypoproteinemia decreases capillary oncotic pressure, which promotes diffusion of water out of the capillaries. The best action for the professional is to assess the patient's protein stores through blood analysis. The patient does not need a chest tube since the symptoms are minimal. An incentive spirometer will not provide definitive information to treat the problem. Exudative effusions are caused by inflammation, infection, or malignancy, so this patient does not need an oncology consult.

A Patient Has a Transudative Pleural Effusion but Has Minimal