title: Assessment and management of patients with pleural effusion.
abstract: Pleural effusions are a common medical condition with a significant source of morbidity, and there are wide variations in management. Over the past 5 years there has been rapid advancement in the knowledge and treatment of pleural diseases and effusions. This article provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the pleural space and pleural membranes, and an update on assessment and management of patients with pleural effusions in line with new developments and related national guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Development, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust, London.
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Allibone
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*