CCRN Empyema
CCRN Empyema Overview
Empyema is also called pyothorax or purulent pleuritis. It’s a condition in which pus gathers in the area between the lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. This area is known as the pleural space. Pus is a fluid that’s filled with immune cells, dead cells, and bacteria. Pus in the pleural space can’t be coughed out. Instead, it needs to be drained by a needle or surgery.
Empyema usually develops after pneumonia, which is an infection of the lung tissue.
Signs and Symptoms
- having a case of pneumonia that does not improve
- a fever
- chest pain
- a cough
- pus in mucus
- difficulty breathing
- a crackling sound from the chest
- decreased breathing sounds
- dullness when tapping chest
- fluid in the lungs (visible with a chest X-ray)
Causes
Pneumonia is the most common cause of empyema. People who have undergone thoracotomies, or chest surgeries, might also be at risk of developing empyema if bacteria get into the wound.
Risk Factors
- being older than 70
- having been in the hospital recently
- having had chest surgery or trauma
- diabetes
- heart disease
- previous cancer
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- intravenous drug use (in simple empyema cases)
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at removing the pus and fluid from the pleura and treating the infection. Antibiotics are used to treat the underlying infection. The specific type of antibiotic depends on what type of bacteria is causing the infection.
The method used to drain the pus depends on the stage of the empyema.
In simple cases, a needle can be inserted into the pleural space to drain the fluid. This is called percutaneous thoracentesis.
In the later stages, or complex empyema, a drainage tube must be used to drain the pus. This procedure is usually performed under anesthesia in an operating room. There are different types of surgery for this:
Critical Care Courses
Overview
- Elite Reviews Offers A Variety Of Online Courses That Will More Than Adequately Help Prepare The Critical Care Nurse To Pass The National Exam.
- Each Course Includes Continuing Education Credit and Sample Questions.
Continuing Education
- Each Of Our Online Courses Has Been Approved Continuing Education Contact Hours by the California Board of Nursing
- Login To Your Account In Order To Access The Course Completion Certificate Once The Course Is Complete.
CCRN Free Trial
- FREE Sample Lecture & Prep Questions
- Available For 24 Hrs After Registration
- Click Free Trial Link To Get Started – CCRN Free Trial
How It Works
How It Works
- First – Purchase The Course By Clicking On The Blue Add To Cart Button – You Will Then Be Prompted To Create A User Account.
- Second – After Creating An Account, All 3 Options (90, 120 or 150 Days) Will Be Listed. Select The Option You Desire And Delete The Other Two.
- Third – You Will Be Prompted To Pay For The Review Using PayPal – After Payment You Will Be Redirected Back To Your Account.
- Last – Click The Start Button Located Within Your Account To Begin The Program
- 150 Sample Questions
- Q & A With Rationales
- Approved For 5 CEU’s
- 90 Days Availability
- Cost $75.00
- 1250+ Sample Questions
- Q & A With Rationales
- Approved For 25 CEU’s
- 90 Days Availability
- Cost $200.00
CCRN Practice Questions Bundle
- 1350+ Sample Questions
- Q & A With Rationales
- Approved For 30 CEU’s
- 90 Days Availability
- Cost $225.00
CCRN Review Course
- Option 1
- Lectures & 1250+ Questions
- Approved For 35 CEU’s
- 90 Days Availability
- Cost $325.00
- Option 2
- Lectures & 2000+ Questions
- Approved For 40 CEU’s
- 90 Days Availability
- Cost $350.00
CCRN Review Course Bundle
- Option 3
- Lectures & 3000+ Questions
- Approved For 70 CEU’s
- 90 Days Availability
- Cost $375.00