Case Study: Effectiveness Of Semi-Fowler Position On Ineffective Breathing Patterns In Patients With Pleurals Undergoing Palliative Care

Abstract

Background: Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura (pleural cavity). This may be due to infection, malignancy or inflammation of the parenchymal tissue, or congestive heart failure, a common symptom of pleural effusion is shortness of breath. Pain can arise from a large effusion in the form of pleuritic chest pain or dull pain depending on the amount of fluid accumulation. Extensive pleural effusion will cause shortness of breath. Palliative care is a way to improve the quality of life of patients and families with life-threatening illnesses by reducing pain and providing physical, psychosocial and spiritual support from the time of diagnosis until the end of the patient's life . The semi-Fowler position can maximize lung expansion and reduce the effort of using respiratory muscle aids. Maximal ventilation opens the atelectasis area and increases the movement of secretions into the large airways for expulsion .  Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the semi-Fowler position in patients with pleural effusion . Method: This type of research is descriptive qualitative using a case study approach using 1 respondent who experienced pleural effusion in the ICU room of Dr. Loekmono Hadi Kudus Regional Hospital. Results: After the semi-Fowler position was performed, the patient's oxygen saturation increased from 95% to 98% with respiration of 16 x/minute to 21 x/minute, and the O2 NRM which was initially given at 10 lt/minute decreased to 8 lt/minute . Conclusion: Providing a semi-Fowler position is effective in overcoming the ineffectiveness of breathing patterns in patients with pleural effusion, so that the problem of ineffective breathing patterns is partially resolved .