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StatPearls, LLC

  • Catheters
  • Hemothorax
  • Pleural Effusion
  • Pneumothorax
  • Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is a critical medical procedure designed to remove fluid or air from the pleural space, serving diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This intervention is often indicated for conditions such as pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax, where the accumulation of fluid or air leads to respiratory distress and impaired lung function. By inserting a needle or catheter through the chest wall into the pleural cavity, healthcare professionals can alleviate symptoms, analyze pleural fluid for underlying causes, and guide further treatment decisions. The procedure’s effectiveness is enhanced through ultrasound guidance, which improves accuracy and minimizes complications, ultimately playing a vital role in patient management. Participants in this course gain a comprehensive understanding of the procedural steps involved, including patient assessment, site selection, and the technique for performing the thoracentesis procedure. The activity emphasizes the identification and management of potential complications, equipping clinicians with the skills needed to perform thoracentesis safely and effectively. Additionally, the course highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration, illustrating how coordinated efforts among healthcare team members can optimize patient outcomes. By fostering communication and teamwork, the course ensures that participants are well-prepared to integrate best practices into their clinical practice, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care delivered to patients.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 13 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • includes Online course / module
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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