6.7 : 内窥镜检查 II：胸腔穿刺术

Thoracocentesis, also known as thoracentesis or pleural tap, involves inserting a large-bore needle through the chest wall into the pleural space using local anesthesia for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Diagnostically, it allows the analysis of pleural fluid to identify conditions such as infection, trauma, or cancer.

Therapeutically, it can relieve respiratory distress caused by excess fluid or air in the pleural space. Medications may sometimes be instilled directly into the pleural space to treat infection.

Nursing responsibilities involved in thoracocentesis include the following:

Before the procedure, explain and obtain consent from the patient.

Next, assist the patient in sitting upright with elbows on an overbed table and feet supported.

During the procedure, maintain asepsis and monitor vital signs. Watch for respiratory distress and hypotension during fluid removal.

Post-procedure, a sterile dressing is applied, and the patient is repositioned.

As part of follow-up care, ensure post-procedure radiography is taken.

If the fluid sample was collected, document the characteristics of the fluid.