Thoracentesis Discharge Information

What is a thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a procedure where a needle is put into the space between your rib cage and one of your lungs, called the pleural space, to drain fluid. The pleural space normally contains a small amount of fluid. Thoracentesis may be needed to test the fluid for infection or cancer cells. It may also be needed when excess fluid is putting pressure on the lung and making it hard to breathe. This excess fluid is called a pleural effusion.

How can I take care of myself when I go home?

How long it takes to get better depends on the reason you needed a thoracentesis, your treatment, how well you recover, your overall health, and any complications you may have.

Management

• Follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes.
• Your provider will give you a list of your medicines when you leave the hospital.
  • Know your medicines. Know what they look like, how much you should take each time, how often you should take them, and why you take each one.
  • Take your medicines exactly as your provider tells you to.
  • Carry a list of your medicines in your wallet or purse. Include any nonprescription medicines and supplements on the list.
  • Talk to your provider before you use any other medicines, including nonprescription medicines.
• Your provider may prescribe medicine to:
  • Treat pain
  • Treat or prevent an infection
  • Reduce fluid build-up and swelling in the body
  • Help relax your airways
  • Reduce swelling in the airways
• Your provider may recommend other types of therapy to help relieve pain, other symptoms, or side effects of treatment.
• If you still have a dressing when you leave the hospital, to care for it:
  • Keep your wound clean and dressing dry.
  • If you are told to change the dressing, wash your hands before changing the dressing and after disposing of the dressing.
• Ask your healthcare provider if there are any foods or medicines you should avoid.
• Follow activity restrictions, such as not driving or operating machinery, as recommended by your healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially if you are taking pain medicines or muscle relaxants.
• Take care of your health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet and try to keep a healthy weight. If you smoke, try to quit. If you want to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider how much is safe for you to drink. Learn ways to manage stress. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.

Appointments

• Follow your provider's instructions for follow-up appointments.
• Keep appointments for any testing you may need.

Talk with your provider about any questions or concerns you have.

Call emergency medical services or 911 if you have new or worsening:

• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Trouble breathing
• Trouble speaking or understanding

Do not drive yourself if you have any of these symptoms.

Call your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening:

• Chills or sweats
• Cough
• Signs of infection around your wound. These include:
  • The area around your wound is more red or painful
  • Your wound area is very warm to touch
  • You have blood, pus, or other fluid coming from the wound area
  • You have a fever higher than 101.5° F (38.6° C)
  • You have chills or muscle aches