Chest X-Rays Flashcards
what are the disadvantages of an AP X-ray
can see the scapulae
magnifies the heart
what is the difference between an AP and PA CXR
AP - the x-rays move from the front to the back
PA - the x-rays moves from the back to the front of the patient
what is the problem if there is too little penetration on a CXR
may not see pathology behind the heart
describe the ABCD interpretation of CXRs
A - airways. look for tracheal shift and the hilum of the lungs
B - breathing. look at the lungs and pleural space
C - circulation. look at the heart, mediastinum and aortic arch
D - diaphragm. look to see if its flat, the costophrenic angle and free air
what is a normal cardiac index
50%
what is the cardiac index
the ratio between the size of the heart and the size of the thorax
on which type of CXR is a cardiac index calculated from
PA
and AP would give an overestimation due to magnification of the heart
if there is an increase in pressure in one lung what will happen to the mediastinum
it will get pushed to the other side
if there is a decrease in pressure in one lung what will happen to the mediastinum
it will be pulled towards that side
what will be seen with pleural effusion
a white area with a meniscus line, loss of the costophrenic angle
what will be heard on percussion with a pleural effusion
stony dull percussion
what will be heard on percussion with a pneumothorax
hyper resonance
what will happen to the mediastinum in a pneumothorax
it is shifted away from that lung due to the increase in pressure
what will be seen in lobar collapse
mediastinum shift to collapse
elevation of ipsilateral hemidiaphragm
black air
loss of lung tissue
what is heard on percussion with consolidation
dull percussion
