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 ...
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 ...