30. 2. Performing thoracentesis is used to remove excess pleural fluid. The fluid is then analyzed to determine if it’s transudative or exudative. Transudates are substances that have passed through a membrane and usually occur in low protein states. Exudates are substances that have escaped ...
A thoracentesis is not performed before radiographic confirmation because of the risks associated with the procedure if a pneumothorax is not present. Palpation is a physical assessment method used to examine the size, tenderness, and location of organs in the body and would not detect blood in ...