Pleural Effusion

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (17 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

9

Start Date

19 Jul 2022

Last Review Date

6 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

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.

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

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE 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.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

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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