Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, intense chest pain, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, or coughing up more than a small streak of blood.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly the same day if you develop:
Increasing pain that is not controlled by the recommended medicine
Fever, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge at the biopsy site
Bleeding that continues after firm pressure
New mild breathlessness or a persistent new cough
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Mild tenderness and limited bruising can be part of routine recovery.
Questions about the dressing, activity, or pending results can usually wait for normal office hours unless symptoms are worsening.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pleural needle biopsy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.