Calculating Safe Drainage Volume for Pleural Effusion

A 53-year-old female patient is brought into the emergency department after experiencing sudden onset dyspnea and chest pain. Upon examination, the healthcare team notes a significant decrease in breath sounds on the left side and cyanosis. Her medical history includes hypertension and a pulmonary embolism two years ago. The healthcare provider suspects a pleural effusion and orders a chest ultrasound. While preparing for the procedure, it is important to calculate the amount of fluid that can be safely drained without causing further respiratory compromise. Assume that the patient's total lung capacity is approximately 6 liters and the average pleural effusion can be assessed by estimating that the sub-pleural fluid occupies approximately 15% of this volume. Calculate the maximum volume in liters that should be drained to avoid potential complications during the procedure, and fill in the blank accordingly: The maximum volume of pleural fluid that should be drained is _____ liters.