THORACENTESIS

OLIT,YLLA MAE D.
BSN IV-C GROUP 3
01
INTRODUCTION
What is thoracentesis?
 Thoracentesis is a procedure
to remove fluid from the space
between the lungs and the
chest wall called the pleural
space.

 Thoracentesis is a procedure
that removes an abnormal
accumulation of fluid or air
from the chest through a
needle or tube.
02
WHAT IS THE
PURPOSE?
To determine the cause of abnormal
accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.
Relieve shortness of breath and pain
As a diagnostic or treatment procedure
To drain large amounts of pleural fluid
To equalize pressure on both sides of the
thoracic cavity
03
INDICATIONS:
Traumatic pneumothorax
Hemopneumothorax
Spontaneous pneumothorax
Bronchoplural fistula
Pleural effusion
04
CONTRA-
INDICATIONS:
An uncooperative patient
Coagulant disorder
Atelectasis
Only one functioning lung
Emphysema
Severe cough or hiccups
 05
COMPLICATION
S
Pneomothorax
Bleeding
Infection
R-expansion Pulmonary Edema
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Vasovagal Reaction
Organ Injury
 05
NURSING
RESPONSIBILITIES
 BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:
 Explain the purpose, risks/ benefits, and steps of the procedure and
obtain consent from the patient or appropriate legal design.
 Take medical history such as:
1. Had heart disease
2. Smoked
3. Travelled to places where may have been exposed to
tuberculosis
 Prepare Equipments
 Check platelet count and or presence of coagulopathy
 EQUIPMENTS:
 Dressing set  Formalin Bottle
 Abraham’s needle  Urine bottle
 Connecting tubng  3 way stopcock
 Syringe 50ml and 5ml  Fenestrated towel
 Scalpel blade  Jud
 Needles (G18 and G23)
 Sterile Gloves
 Mask
 Povidone/ Alcohol
 Local anesthetic
 Place patient upright/ cardiac position
and help patient maintain position
during procedure
 Explain that he/she will receive a local
anesthetic
 Clean patient skin with antiseptic soap
 DURING THE PROCEDURE:
 Observe patient respiration and breathing pattern
 Assess patient vital sign such as B/P and pulse
 Observe patient level of consciousness and give
emotional support
 Monitor Oxygen Saturation
 Inform doctor if any changes of the patient
 AFTER THE PROCEDURE:
 Obtain a chest x-ray to evaluate the fluid level
 For specimen handling, fill the tubes with the required
amount of pleural fluid
 Check that each bottle is correctly labelled by checking
patient identifiers- full name, date of birth and or
medical record number then send to the lab tests.
 Document the procedure, patient’s response,
characteristics of fluid and amount, and patient response
to follow up
 DURING THE PROCEDURE:
 Provide post procedural analgesics as needed
 Rest in bed for about 2 hours after the procedure
 Blood pressure and breathing will be checked for up to a
few hours
 May remove dressing/ bandage another day, or replace it
if it becomes soiled or wet
 Resume patient regular diet
THANK YOU!