Pleural Effusion

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (17 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

9

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

6 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Pleural effusion is the abnormal fluid accumulation within the pleural space, the thin cavity between the pleural layers surrounding the lungs. This condition can arise from various etiologies, ranging from heart failure and pneumonia to malignancies such as lung cancer and inflammatory disorders like lupus. Intrapleural space fluid accumulation can compress the lungs, impairing their ability to expand fully during inspiration and causing respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.

Pleural effusion is a marker of increased mortality and morbidity in certain populations. Diagnosis of pleural effusion typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and diagnostic procedures such as thoracentesis. Management of pleural effusion depends on its etiology and severity and may include treating the underlying condition, draining the accumulated fluid, and addressing complications such as infection or recurrence.

This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners' competence in evaluating and managing pleural effusion. Participants develop proficiency in diagnosing pleural effusion through clinical assessment and interpretation of imaging studies and pleural fluid analysis. Learners acquire skills in determining the appropriate management strategies, preparing them for interprofessional collaboration to improve outcomes for patients with pleural effusion.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the cause of pleural effusion based on a patient's clinical presentation and diagnostic test results.

  • Differentiate between transudative and exudative pleural effusions based on laboratory pleural fluid analysis and clinical judgment.

  • Determine a personalized management strategy for a patient with pleural effusion.

  • Implement effective interprofessional communication and coordination strategies for developing diagnostic and treatment plans for patients with pleural effusion.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Melissa L. on 1/27/2022

Paul L. on 2/8/2022

on 4/3/2022

Aimee S. on 6/29/2022

Joanna L. on 7/8/2022

john d. on 10/5/2022

Thank you; this was an excellent module, being both comprehensive and a good review of the basics. It would have been helpful to have had commentary on the possible meaning of a high histiocyte count in a transudative pleural effusion.

Sheree M. on 10/29/2022

Karl S. on 3/25/2023

Julia T. on 6/1/2023

josiah s. on 6/1/2023

Sharon D. on 10/17/2023

Shearin H. on 10/27/2023

Alice F. on 12/5/2023

Amit G. on 12/19/2023

Jon B. on 12/20/2023

Carolyn G. on 1/8/2024

Ehsan Q. on 4/15/2024

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