Respiratory
Pleural Infection / Empyema
BTS 2023 — recognition, pleural fluid analysis (pH, biochemistry), chest drain criteria, intrapleural fibrinolytics, surgical referral.
Source: BTS Pleural Disease 2023
Used in: Asthma
Step 1 of ~8
info
Recognise
Suspect in any patient with pneumonia who fails to respond to antibiotics, or new pleural effusion + fever / sepsis. CXR: new effusion / loculation. USS first-line for pleural assessment + safe drainage. Bloods: FBC, U&E, CRP, LFTs, blood culture × 2 sets.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Potassium chloride with calcium chloride and sodium chloride · Crystalloid IV fluid
- Potassium chloride with calcium chloride sodium chloride and sodium lactate · Balanced crystalloid IV fluid
- Potassium chloride with glucose · IV fluid (potassium + dextrose)
- Potassium chloride with glucose and sodium chloride · IV fluid (mixed)
- Potassium chloride with sodium chloride · IV fluid (potassium + saline)
Pathways
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
- Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) · NICE NG115; GOLD 2024
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Adult) · BTS Pleural Disease 2023
- Atypical Pneumonia (Legionella / Mycoplasma / Chlamydophila) · BTS 2023; IDSA
- COPD Exacerbation Management · NICE NG115 / GOLD 2024
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.