The pleural irritation sign is manifested by a continuous irritating dry cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath, and pallor in the patient during the pleural puncture. The pleural puncture is usually stopped, and then dexamethasone 10 mg is given intramuscularly or by intravenous push, which usually relieves it. In order to prevent the emergence of pleural irritation signs, it is usually necessary to communicate with the patient preoperatively that these symptoms may occur during thoracocentesis, so that the patient can be prepared. In addition, puncture should not be performed on an empty stomach, nor should it be performed when the patient is weak.