Management of patients with empyema
Intended for healthcare professionals
Art & Science Previous     Next

Management of patients with empyema

Rebecca Myatt Nurse case manager, Thoracic surgery, Guy’s Hospital, London

Empyema is the term used to describe an accumulation of pus in a body cavity such as the pleural space as a result of bacterial infection. The condition is serious because it is difficult for the immune system to resolve infection in this area. Empyema can be avoided by the use of appropriate antibiotic therapy and good aseptic technique when dealing with any situation that breaches the chest wall. Treatment of this condition may be medical but if the condition does not resolve, surgical intervention is required. The nursing role involves providing support, education and long-term management for patients with empyema.

Nursing Standard. 28, 30, 42-47. doi: 10.7748/ns2014.03.28.30.42.e8433

Correspondence

Rebecca.Myatt@gstt.nhs.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 15 October 2013

Accepted: 08 January 2014

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more