Chest imaging interpretation

Question 1

Why is a chest xray taken P.A?

Answer 1

Back to front - This avoids magnification of the heart as a P.A view allows the heart to be as close to the detector as possible

Question 2

What is the name for the biforcation of the trachea used as a landmark?

Answer 2

Chorena

Question 3

What is the function and positioning of a nasogastric tube?

Answer 3

For nutrition and aspiration of GI
Long term use for patients that cant swallow

Best placed 10cm beyond gastro-oesophogeal junction
Position must be confirmed with a chest xray

Question 4

What is the function and positioning of an endotracheal tube?

Answer 4

Allows maintenance of an airway for patients who cant support their own breathing

Should be ~5cm above the corena (bifurcation of the trachea)

Question 5

What is the function and positioning of a central venous catheter?

Answer 5

Administration of drugs/ fluids usually to ITU patients

Superior vena cava

Question 6

What us the function and positioning of a peripherally inserted central catheter? (PICC line)

Answer 6

Used for long term therapies eg chemo

Inserted via arm to the distal superior vena cava

Question 7

What is haemothorax?

Answer 7

Blood in the pleural space

Normally venous so is self limiting

Question 8

What is alveolar disease?

Answer 8

Disease of the air space

Appears grey on xray as opposed to black as lung is filled with puss/ food

Question 9

What is consolidation?

Answer 9

Solidification of lung perinchyma

Usually related to an infectious cause, showing area filled with fluid