How the fluid can be removed from the pleural space and proper lung status restored?

Performing thoracentesis

Performing thoracentesis is used to remove excess pleural fluid. The fluid is then analyzed to determine if its transudative or exudative. Transudates are substances that have passed through a membrane and usually occur in low protein states. Exudates are substances that have escaped from blood vessels. They contain an accumulation of cells and have a high specific gravity and a high lactate dehydrogenase level. Exudates usually occur in response to a malignancy. infection. or inflammatory process. A chest tube is rarely necessary because the amount of fluid typically isnt large enough to warrant such a measure. Pleural effusions cant drain by themselves.