The objective of this study was to determine the safety and value of thoracentesis in an ICU, Thoracentesis is a safe procedure for critically ill patients, even those on mechanical ventilators, and usually confirms the suspected diagnosis. However, thoracentesis revealed an unexpected diagnosis that changed management in 12% of patients. Repeat or contralateral thoracentesis is indicated when either the clinical course is inconsistent or may represent a complication of the original diagnosis.
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