Chest X-Rays (Cornelius) Exam 1 Flashcards
In the U.S., CXR is routinely obtained for hospitalized adults. In other countries, due to cost, providers rely on physical examination. Physical examination has inherent limitations and difficulty identifying lesions in the following structures:
Select 3
a) pleural space
b) mediastinum
c) diaphragm
d) interstitium
e) upper lung
f) trachea
g) center of lung
b) mediastinum,
d) interstitium
g) center of lung
Slide 3
What pathologies can be present even with a normal chest X-ray?
a) pleura, diaphragm, and bronchi
b) interstitial, airway, and pulmonary vascular systems
c) pulmonary vascular systems, intersitial, and ribs
d) airway, diaphragm, and pleural space
b) interstitial, airway, and pulmonary vascular systems
Interstitial, airway and pulmonary vascular disease in certain cases cannot be recognized by chest x-ray while it is easily evident on physical exam, e.g. asthmatics
Slide 3
True or False
Physical exam in general is good for acute illness, while chest x-ray is better for chronic illness markers.
True
Physical exam and chest x-ray provide compliment
Slide 3
Overexposure will cause a film to be too _______.
a) Light
b) Blurry
c) Dark
d) Grainy
c) Dark
Slide 4
Which structures are well seen on an overexposed chest X-ray? (Select 4)
a) Thoracic spine
b) Mediastinal structures
c) Retrocardiac areas
d) Small lung nodules
e) Fine lung structures
f) Ribs
g) Diaphragm
a) Thoracic spine
b) Mediastinal structures
c) Retrocardiac areas
f) Ribs
Slide 4
Which structures are difficult to see on an overexposed chest X-ray? (Select 2)
a) Small nodules
b) Ribs
c) Thoracic spine
d) Mediastinal structures
e) Fine lung structures
a) Small nodules
e) Fine lung structures
Slide 4
Underexposure will cause a film to be too _______.
a) Bright
b) Blurry
c) Dark
d) Grainy
a) Bright - White
Slide 4
Which structures are well seen on an underexposed chest X-ray?
a) Small pulmonary blood vessels
b) Thoracic spine
c) Mediastinal structures
d) Retrocardiac areas
a) Small pulmonary blood vessels
* Small pulmonary blood vessels will appear prominent and may lead you to think that there are generalized infiltrates when none is really present.
Slide 4
How does breast tissue or excessive body fat affect a chest X-ray image?
a) It causes overexposure of the entire image.
b) It causes underexposure of the tissue in the path
c) It enhances the exposure of the tissue in the path
d) It has no effect on the quality of the image.
Correct Answer: b) It causes underexposure of the tissue in the path of the X-ray beam.
Breast tissue and large amounts of fat tissue can absorb X-ray beams which causes underexposure of the tissue in the path.
Male/Female - Depends on body habitus and positioning
Hard to look under the diaphragm
Slide 4
How are chest X-rays on outpatient or ambulatory patients routinely performed while standing?
a) AP projection (anterior to posterior)
b) PA projection (posterior to anterior)
c) Lateral projection
d) Supine position
b) PA projection (posterior to anterior)
- Patient’s chest is up and against the firm holder.
- The X-ray passes from the back and exits in front to the chest.
silde 5
If the patient is lying down, what will be the typical orientation of the X-ray projection?
a) PA Projection (posterior to anterior)
b) Lateral Projection
c) AP Projection (anterior to posterior)
d) Oblique Projection
c) AP Projection (anterior to posterior)
Portable X-ray
Slide 5
For interpretative purposes, what is the main difference between an AP and PA chest X-ray projection?
a) The heart will appear smaller on an AP projection.
b) The heart will be magnified on an AP projection.
c) The lungs will appear clearer on an AP projection.
d) The diaphragm will be higher on a PA projection.
b) The heart will be magnified on an AP projection.
- The X-ray beam diverges/spreads out as it goes farther from the X-ray tube.
- A patient lying down is unable to take a full inspiration; the liver and abdominal contents are pushing up on the lungs and heart, and the result is that the pulmonary vessels are crowded and make the heart appear large.
- Prefered to have the patient in the seated position if they can’t stand
Slide 5
Why do X-ray technicians instruct patients to take a deep breath and hold it before capturing a chest X-ray?
a) To inflate the patient like a balloon for better contrast.
b) To increase lung density for better visualization.
c) To see if the patient can hold their breath longer than the technician.
d) To allow for the spreading of the pulmonary vessels and clearer visualization.
d) Inspiration allows for the spreading of the pulmonary vessels and clearer visualization.
Slide 5
Why is an upright chest X-ray preferred over a supine chest X-ray? (Select 2)
a) Patients can achieve a greater inspiration.
b) The lungs appear more compressed.
c) Lung markings are better visualized.
d) Pleural effusions are less noticeable.
a) Patients can achieve a greater inspiration.
c) Lung markings are better visualized.
A pleural effusion will been seen better since it will run into the normally deep costophrenic angle due to gravity.
Slide 5
True or False
The quality of the image is dependent on a good x-ray tech
True
Don’t let them rush, watch them and give them guidance to get a better image
slide 6
When standing, most adults can take an inspiration that brings the domes of the hemidiaphragm down to which rib number?
a) Rib 6
b) Rib 8
c) Rib 10
d) Rib 12
c) Rib 10
Slide 6
When seated, most adults can take an inspiration that brings the domes of the hemidiaphragm to which rib number?
a) Rib 6 to Rib 8
b) Rib 7 to Rib 9
c) Rib 8 to Rib 10
d) Rib 9 to Rib 11
c) Anywhere from Rib 8 to Rib 10
slide 6
If the lungs are hypoinflated, the diaphragm on a chest X-ray will typically be seen at which rib level posteriorly ?
a) Rib 5
b) Rib 6
c) Rib 7
d) Rib 8
c) Rib 7
*If the radiograph has the domes of the diaphragms at the 7 posterior ribs, the chest should be considered hypoinflated, and you need to be very careful before diagnosing basilar pneumonia or cardiomegaly. *
Slide 6
When doing a quick scan at a CXR, we start at the area of least importance to most importance. What will this order be? Think about the mnemonic.
- Abdomen (first) - free fluid, abdominal distention, gastric bubble (puking)
- Thorax
- Mediastinum - great vessels and heart
- Individual Lungs
- Bilateral Lung (last)
ATMIB
“Always Think More In Breath.”
Slide 7
While scanning in a back and forth pattern what will you be looking for in an abdomen xray?
a) Liver shadow and spleen
b) Gastric bubble and esophagus
c) Diaphragmatic outlines and psoas muscles
d) Gastric bubble and hemidiaphragms
d) Gastric bubble and hemidiaphragms
Google: A hemidiaphragm is half of the diaphragm, each with its own apex, or cupula. The right hemidiaphragm is usually higher than the left and is protected by the liver, making it stronger. The left hemidiaphragm is more likely to rupture or herniate than the right.
slide 10
True or False
A gastric bubble is a normal finding on a CXR and should be below the hemidiaphragm.
True
A gastric bubble is a normal finding on a CXR and should be below the hemidiaphragm.
Google:A gastric bubble is a round, radiolucent area on a chest x-ray that’s usually located under the left hemidiaphragm and represents gas in the stomach
Slide 10
What does the deep sulcus sign on a chest X-ray indicate?
a) Pleural effusion
b) Atelectasis
c) Pneumothorax
d) Pulmonary edema
c) Pneumothorax
Due to the collection of air in the pleural space pushing down on the lung, causing the hemidiaphragm to appear lower and the lateral costophrenic sulcus to appear more pronounced than normal.
Slide 10
Pattern of how you will scan the thorax of a CXR? (pic)
Slide 12
When scanning the thorax on a chest X-ray, which of the following structures should be evaluated for continuity and malformation, such as fractures? Select 3
a) Spine
b) Ribs
c) Jaw
d) Clavicles
e) Scapula
f) Mediastinum
Bony structures
b) Ribs - small can be hard to detect (better on CT). Likely to have more than 1 fracture, so look for the other one
d) Clavicles
e) Scapula
Slide 13
True or False
Air will conform to the surrounding structures, while fluid, such as in a hemothorax, will settle dependently due to its higher density. As fluid accumulates, it blunts the costophrenic angles by filling in the lower recesses of the pleural cavity.
True
Air will conform to the surrounding structures, while fluid, such as in a hemothorax, will settle dependently due to its higher density. As fluid accumulates, it blunts the costophrenic angles by filling in the lower recesses of the pleural cavity.
Slide 13
When counting ribs on a chest X-ray, where do you typically start?
a) Posterior side and bottom
b) Anterior side and top
c) Lateral side and middle
d) Posterior side and top
b) Anterior side and top
1st rib is superior to clavicle it may be impossible to see because the 1st and 2nd rib are on top of each other
Slide 14
Which type of rib fracture is harder to detect on a CXR (Posterior or Anterior Ribs)?
- Posterior Rib fractures are harder to detect.
Slide 14
The pattern of how you will scan the mediastinum and heart of a CXR. (pic)
Slide 17
Which four structures in the mediastinum should be centrally located during a routine chest X-ray?
a) Lungs, diaphragm, aorta, and esophagus
b) Heart, sternum, esophagus, and greater vessels
c) Diaphragm, bronchi, esophagus, and ribs
d) Heart, sternum, trachea, and greater vessels
d) Heart, sternum, trachea, and greater vessels
Many times these structures will be overlying each other. You can invert the colors/contrast of the x-ray, this can make the air filled structures stand out more
Slide 17
Cardiomegaly is considered present if the cardiac silhouette is larger than what fraction of the thoracic distance?
a) One-third
b) One-half to two-thirds
c) Three-quarters
d) One-quarter to one-third
b) One-half to two-thirds
slide 17
The pattern of how you will scan each lung on a CXR. (pic)
Slide 19
The pattern of how you will scan lateral views. (pic)
We don’t get a lot of lateral views, rarely will you get them through ER. Will get them on outpatients and pulmonary workups.
Slide 20
Which of the following is not part of the systematic approach for viewing a chest X-ray?
a) Bony fragments/framework
b) Soft tissues
c) Muscle and adipose tissues
d) Diaphragm and pleural space
e) Mediastinum and heart
f) Abdomen and neck
g) Lung fields and hila
c) Muscle and adipose tissues
Slide 21
What bony fragments can be viewed on a chest X-ray? (Select 5)
a) Ribs
b) Pelvis
c) Sternum
d) Spine
e) Shoulder girdle
f) Clavicles
g) Femur
h) Skull
a) Ribs
c) Sternum
d) Spine
e) Shoulder girdle
f) Clavicles
*Ribs - count them, start at sternum and trace posteriorly
* Sternum - look for continuity - hard to see or if underdeveloped.
* Spine - **best view on lateral image **
* Shoulder girdle - look for displacement
* Clavicles - look for symmetry
Slide 22
Which soft tissues that overlie the thoracic cage are inspected on a chest X-ray? (Select 4)
a) Breast shadows
b) Supraclavicular areas
c) Subclavicular areas
d) Tissues under the breasts
e) Tissues along the sides of the breasts
f) Axillae
a) Breast shadows
b) Supraclavicular areas
e) Tissues along the sides of the breasts
f) Axillae
- Breast tissue - breast tissue can hide diaphragmatic problems and costophrenic angles, fluid accumulation, free air
Slide 23
How does blood and air typically accumulate in the upright versus the supine patient on a chest X-ray?
a) In an upright patient, blood pools down and air accumulates up; in a supine patient, blood is usually detected on one side and air may only be seen at the lateral edges.
b) In an upright patient, blood pools up and air accumulates down; in a supine patient, both blood and air are easy to detect.
c) In an upright patient, air pools down and blood accumulates in the middle; in a supine patient, blood accumulates on both sides and air is centrally located.
d) In an upright patient, air and blood accumulate in the same location; in a supine patient, blood accumulates in the middle and air at the top.
a) In an upright patient, blood pools down and air accumulates up; in a supine patient, blood is usually detected on one side and air may only be seen at the lateral edges.
Slide 23
What structures can be viewed in the hilum on a chest X-ray?
a) Bronchi and trachea
b) Pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins
c) Diaphragm and heart
d) Ribs and clavicles
b) Pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins
“The hilum is the shadow of pulmonary artery and vein adjacent the heart shadow.”
If you follow the arteries and veins from the heart all the way out, also known as ‘lung markings’, you can see to the edge or lateral parts of the lung fields. They can help you point out pneumothorax
slide 24
What is another name for the hilum on a chest X-ray?
a) Lung apex
b) Pulmonary base
c) Lung root
d) Pleural node
c) Lung root
Slide 24
What normal lung markers should be seen in a healthy adult’s chest X-ray?
a) Linear and large areas of shadow of consolidation
b) Air-fluid levels throughout both lungs
c) Linear and fine nodular shadows of pulmonary vessels
d) Complete absence of any lung markings
c) Linear and fine nodular shadows of pulmonary vessels
Slide 24
How are abnormal lung markings seen in a sick adult’s chest X-ray?
a) Excessive radiolucency, normal radiopacity, or opacified areas.
b) Excessive radiolucency, excessive radiopacity, or opacified areas.
c) Abnormal lung markings are seen as excess radiopacity or non-opacified areas
d) Abnormal lung markings are seen as faint shadows with no clear pattern.
b) Excessive radiolucency, excessive radiopacity, or opacified areas.
Slide 24
What percent of the lung field and hila will typically be obscured by tissue on a chest X-ray?
a) 20%
b) 30%
c) 40%
d) 50%
c) 40%
Slide 24
What kind of shape should the diaphragm form on a normal chest X-ray?
a) Flat shape with costophrenic angle
b) Dome shape with a costophrenic angle
c) Irregular shape with sharp edges
d) Dome shape with costodiaphragmatic angle
b) Dome shape with a costophrenic angle
Costophrenic angle circled in red
Slide 25
True or False
You should not be able to see the pleural in a normal CXR, except where two layers come together to form the interlobar fissures
True
- On an abnormal CXR you can see the pleural when air is trapping between the chest wall or the mediastinum and lungs.
Slide 25
On a Posterior-Anterior (PA) chest X-ray, the **normal right heart **and mediastinal border are made up of which four structures, listed from bottom to top?
a) Right Atrium, Inferior Vena Cava, Aortic Arch, Superior Vena Cava
b) Inferior Vena Cava, Right Atrium, Ascending Aorta, Superior Vena Cava
c) Right Ventricle, Pulmonary Artery, Ascending Aorta, Superior Vena Cava
d) Inferior Vena Cava, Left Atrium, Descending Aorta, Right Pulmonary Artery
b) Inferior Vena Cava, Right Atrium, Ascending Aorta, Superior Vena Cava
slide 26
On a Posterior-Anterior (PA) chest X-ray, the normal left heart and mediastinal border are made up of which five structures, listed from bottom to top?
a) Left Atrium, Left Ventricle, Pulmonary Artery, Aortic Arch, Subclavian Artery/Vein
b) Aortic Arch, Pulmonary Artery, Left Ventricle, Left Atrium, Subclavian Artery/Vein
c) Left Ventricle, Pulmonary Artery, Aortic Arch, Subclavian Artery/Vein, Left Atrium
d) Left Ventricle, Left Atrium, Pulmonary Artery, Aortic Arch, Subclavian Artery/Vein
d) Left Ventricle, Left Atrium, Pulmonary Artery, Aortic Arch, Subclavian Artery/Vein
Cornelius big take aways: be able to see the aortic arch “knob” and cardiac silhouette
Slide 27
On which side is the gastric bubble usually seen on a chest X-ray?
a) Right
b) Left
c) Laterally
d) It is not typically visible
b) Left
slide 28
When assessing the abdomen on a chest X-ray, which of the following should be evaluated?
a) Free air under diaphragm and gastric bubble
b) Kidney shadows and liver density
c) Proximal intestinal loops and gastric bubble
d) Free air under diaphragm and spleen position
a) Free air under diaphragm and gastric bubble
Free air under diaphragm is = perforated ulcers (most common)
Slide 28
What is assessed in the neck area on a chest X-ray?
(Select 3)
a) Soft tissue mass
b) Thyroid size
c) Lymph node enlargement
d) Air trapping (air bronchogram)
e) Vertebral alignment
f) Tracheal deviation
a) Soft tissue mass
d) Air trapping (air bronchogram)
f) Tracheal deviation
Slide 28
True or False
On an xray you can tell that the substance is a fluid and what it is made up of.
False
* You can tell that the substance is a fluid, but not what it is made up of (blood, mucous, pulmonary edema).
slide 29
Match the substance with its appearance on a CXR
Air = b) Black, representing areas of low density or no density
Water = d) Solid white, indicating fluid accumulation or dense structures
Bone = a) Translucent white, denser than soft tissue but not completely opaque
Tissue = c) More solid white than fluid, denser than air but less than bone
slide 29
Which factors can lead to misinterpretation of a chest X-ray? (Select 4)
A) Proper lung inflation
B) Poor inspiration
C) Under penetration
D) Rotation of the patient
E) Forgetting the path of the X-ray beam
B) Poor inspiration - results in high diaphragms and crowding of normal lung markings.
C) Under penetration
and over penetration - of the x-ray beam can obliterate or exaggerate important findings
D) Rotation of the patient - Check proper orientation by noting equal distances from the vertebral spines to the medial ends of the clavicles.
E) Forgetting the path of the X-ray beam
Slide 30
On a properly penetrated posterior-anterior CXR, what anatomical structures should be visible overlying the image of the heart?
A) The thoracic vertebrae
B) The clavicles
C) The diaphragm
D) The scapulae
A) The thoracic vertebrae
Slide 30
Which of the following is a method to check that patient is not rotated on a chest radiograph?
A) Ensure the diaphragm is visible
B) Confirm the lungs are fully inflated
C) Measure the distance from the vertebral spines to the medial ends of the clavicles
D) Measure the distance from the vertebral spines to the medial ends of the shoulder blades
C) Measure the distance from the vertebral spines to the medial ends of the clavicles
note that the distance are equal
Slide 30
If the carina is not visible on a chest radiograph, where is it typically located?
A) Level with the diaphragm
B) 2-3 cm below the clavicles
C) 2-3 cm above the clavicles
D) At the midline of the sternum
B) 2-3 cm below the clavicles
Slide 31
Which of the following lobes are found in the right lung?
A) Superior lobe
B) Middle lobe
C) Inferior lobe
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
3 lobes on the right lung
Slide 31
Which of the following lobes are found in the left lung?
A) Superior lobe
B) Middle lobe
C) Inferior lobe
D) Both A and C
E) Both B and C
F) Both A and B
D) Both A and C
2 lobes on the left lung: Superior and Inferior
Slide 31
Which chest X-ray (CXR) projection/orientation is most likely to show extensive lung overlap?
A) AP view
B) Lateral view
C) PA view
D) Oblique view
C) PA view
Posterior-anterior X-ray projection will show the lower lobes extending high over the lung field.
Slide 33