Diagnostics

Question 1

Differentiate between “sensitivity” of a diagnostic test and “specificity”

Answer 1

1. “I know my patient has the disease. What is the chance that the test will show that my patient has it?” = sensitivity
2. “I know my patient does not have the disease. What is the chance that the test will show that my patient doesn’t have it?” = specificity

Question 2

What is the RIPE mneumonic used for? What does RIPE stand for?

Answer 2

It is used to interpret the quality of xray films. RIPE stands for Rotation, Inspiration, Position and Exposure (penetration)

Question 3

How would you determine if an Xray is underexposed? Overexposed?

Answer 3

An adequately exposed xray would show visible vertebre at T4. If you cannot see the shape of the vertebre at this level, it is likely underexposed. If all vertebre and spinal processes are visible, it is likely over exposed

Question 4

What does the ABCDEF mneumonic look for?

Answer 4

It is the systematic approach to interpreting a chest xray.
The analysis is ABCDEF:

Airways
Bones
Cardiac
Diaphragm
Extrathoracic tissues
Fields and Fissures