A patient is scheduled to have excess pleural fluid aspirated with a needle in order to relieve her dyspnea. The patient inquires about the normal function of pleural fluid. What should the nurse describe?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: It lubricates the movement of the thorax and lungs. Pleural fluid acts as a lubricant between the layers of the pleura, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement during respiration. This function is crucial for the efficient expansion and contraction of the lungs during breathing.
Explanation:
1. A (It allows for full expansion of the lungs within the thoracic cavity): While pleural fluid does contribute to lung expansion, its main role is not to solely allow for full expansion.
2. B (It prevents the lungs from collapsing within the thoracic cavity): This is incorrect as the pleural pressure, rather than the pleural fluid, prevents lung collapse.
3. C (It limits lung expansion within the thoracic cavity): This is incorrect as pleural fluid actually facilitates lung expansion by reducing friction.