What intervention is commonly performed for a large pleural effusion?

A large pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pleural space surrounding the lungs, which can impair breathing and reduce the lung's ability to expand fully. One of the most effective interventions for managing a large pleural effusion is chest tube insertion. This procedure allows for the drainage of the fluid, thereby relieving pressure on the lungs and restoring normal respiratory function.

By placing a chest tube, healthcare providers can continuously drain the fluid and help prevent the re-accumulation of fluid, which is crucial in treating symptoms and improving the patient's overall respiratory status. This intervention is typically performed in clinical settings when the volume of effusion is significant enough to cause respiratory distress or when therapeutic drainage is necessary for diagnostic purposes.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically address the immediate need to manage a large pleural effusion effectively. Oxygen therapy, for instance, may be important for providing support but does not eliminate the fluid causing the problem. Thoracotomy is a more invasive surgical procedure generally reserved for more complicated cases or when other interventions fail, while endoscopy is not applicable in the context of pleural effusions. Therefore, chest tube insertion stands out as the appropriate intervention for this condition.