title: Managing pleural effusions.
abstract: Malignant pleural effusions result from advanced metastatic disease and can have a devastating effect on patients and their families. The insertion of a tunneled pleural catheter, such as a Tenckhoff catheter, is a treatment option for this patient population. Nurses play a significant role during the patient's journey with the disease process, providing the skills necessary to promote self-care and autonomy, resulting in improved quality of life. In this article, the authors discuss the nursing care of patients who have a Tenckhoff catheter.
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto, Canada. susan.walker@uhn.on.ca
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bryden
mesh_terms: D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010994:Pleura; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011788:Quality of Life