Which treatment is NOT typically recommended for pleural effusion?

Low tidal volume ventilation is not typically recommended as a treatment for pleural effusion because it primarily focuses on optimizing mechanical ventilation to improve oxygenation and reduce airway injury in patients with conditions like ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome). It does not address the underlying issues of pleural effusion, which is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that may require drainage or management of the underlying cause.

Other treatments for pleural effusion directly target the removal or management of the fluid. Antibiotics may be recommended if the effusion is associated with an infection, such as parapneumonic effusion or empyema. Thoracentesis is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the pleural space, providing both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. Chest tube placement can be indicated for managing larger effusions or empyema, facilitating continuous drainage of accumulated fluid.

Thus, low tidal volume ventilation does not contribute to the treatment of pleural effusion and therefore stands apart from the other options listed in the question.