Empyema
Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).
Causes
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 a pint or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs.
Risk factors include:
Symptoms
Nursing Diagnosis for Empyema
Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).
Causes
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 a pint or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs.
Risk factors include:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Chest surgery
- Lung abscess
- Trauma or injury to the chest
- In rare cases, empyema can occur after a needle is inserted through the chest wall to draw off fluid in the pleural space for medical diagnosis or treatment (thoracentesis).
Symptoms
- Chest pain, which worsens when you breathe in deeply (pleurisy)
- Dry cough
- Excessive sweating, especially night sweats
- Fever and chills
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss (unintentional)
Nursing Diagnosis for Empyema
- Ineffective airway clearance related to bronchus spsame, increased production of secretions, weakness
- Impaired Gas Exchange related to airway obstruction secondary to the buildup of secretions, Bronchospasme
- Imbalanced Nutrition : Less Than Body Requirements related to Shortness of breath, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, drug effects, weakness.
- Pain related to the process of infection in the lung
