Final answer:
Pleural effusion is managed by gravity drainage or a vacuum suction device during thoracentesis, taking care to maintain thoracic pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pleural effusion is typically managed by draining fluid from the pleural space. This is often done by using a thoracentesis procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove fluid. The fluid is usually drained out by gravity, where the patient may be positioned to optimize this gravity drainage. In some cases, a vacuum suction device may be used to help remove the fluid more efficiently. It is critical that this process is done carefully to maintain the balance of pressures in the thoracic cavity, particularly the negative intrapleural pressure that is essential for lung function.
In cases where recurrent pleural effusions occur, a pleural drain may be placed for long-term management, and sometimes, surgery may be needed to prevent future accumulations of fluid.