Chest X-Ray Flashcards
X-rays: Air-filled tissues appear (white/black)
Black (radiolucent); absorb few x-rays
X-rays: dense tissues (bone) appear (white/black)
White (radiopque); absorb more radiation
Chest X-rays are good for ______
detecting chamber enlargement and pulmonary processes
Benefits of Chest x-rays are
inexpensive, low radiation exposure
When should chest x-rays be ordered?
patients presenting with chest pain or dyspnea (narrow differential diagnosis)
What are the major chest xray orientations?
PA, Lateral, and AP.
what is the CXR orientation when patient is standing and beam comes from back? Patient chest is touching the film
PA
what is the CXR orientation when patient is supine or seated and beam comes from front? Patient back is touching the film
AP
what is the CXR orientation when patient is standing or seating and beam comes from right side? Patient left side is touching the film
Lateral
What CXR orientation is always preferred?
PA and lateral series
- two view provide more information
When do you use an AP instead of a PA?
For critically ill patients that cannot move.
- AP is a single view
What is the normal anatomy of ribs on x-ray
9-10 posterior ribs should be seen above diaphragm
What is the normal anatomy of lungs on x-ray
All lung lobes should be visible on PA view
What is the normal anatomy of diaphragms on x-ray
openings (hiatus) of IVC, aorta, and esophagus should be visible
How do you assess normal cardiac size?
If width of heart < width of left hemithorax
