The effect of implementing standardized nursing care on chest expansion and pulmonary function in patients with pleural effusion

Abstract

Pleural effusion is a common disease and represents the disturbance of the normal mechanism of fluid formation and drainage from the pleural space. Aim of the study: was to evaluate the effect of implementing standardized nursing care on chest expansion and pulmonary function for patients with pleural effusion. Patients and Methods: randomized prospective research design was used to conduct this study; the study was carried out at Assiut University Hospitals. The study sample consisted of study group (30 patients) who received standardized nursing care by using chest physiotherapy and control group (30 patients) who received only routine hospital care. Chest expansion and pulmonary function were assessed before and after exercises in both groups, the study was conducted in one year. Tools: three tools were used. Results: show that there was a statistical significant difference between study and control groups in relation to chest expansion and pulmonary function (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing standardized nursing care was significantly effective in improving chest expansion and pulmonary function in patients with pleural effusion. Recommendations: Implementing standardized nursing care in patients with pleural effusion is important for improving chest expansion and pulmonary function.