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| Empyema |
Empyema is usually caused by an infection that spreads from the lung. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space.
There can be 2 cups (1/2 liter) or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs.
Risk factors include: Bacterial pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Chest surgery, Lung abscess, Trauma or injury to the chest.
In rare cases, empyema can occur after thoracentesis. This is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through the chest wall to remove fluid in the pleural space for medical diagnosis or treatment. (medlineplus.gov)
Symptoms of empyema may include: having a case of pneumonia that does not improve, a fever, chest pain, a cough, pus in mucus, difficulty breathing, a crackling sound from the chest, decreased breathing sounds, dullness when tapping chest, fluid in the lungs (visible with a chest X-ray).
Empyema can progress through three stages if a person does not receive treatment. (www.medicalnewstoday.com)
Nursing Diagnosis for Empyema
- Ineffective breathing pattern related to shortness of breath, mucus, bronchoconstriction, fatigue.
- Ineffective airway clearance related to increased secretions, ineffective coughing.
- Activity intolerance related to reduced oxygen supply.
- Self-care deficit related to fatigue.
- Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to anorexia.
- Impaired gas exchange related to ventilation-perfusion imbalance.