Thoracentesis

Pleural Tap

Why It Is Done

Thoracentesis may be done to:

• Determine the cause of excess pleural fluid (pleural effusion).
• Relieve shortness of breath and pain caused by a pleural effusion.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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