In the clinic - The thorax

Question 1

Chest X-ray (CXR)

Answer 1

A two-dimensional radiographic image used to assess lung fields, pleural spaces, and mediastinal structures

Question 2

CT scan (Computed tomography)

Answer 2

Produces cross-sectional images of the thorax, providing detailed visualisation of lung parenchyma, airways, blood vessels, and pleural spaces.

Question 3

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Answer 3

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to provide detailed images of soft tissues, particularly useful for evaluating the mediastinum and chest wall.

Question 4

Bronchoscopy:

Answer 4

A flexible or rigid endoscopic procedure used to visualize the airway, trachea, and bronchial tree, allowing for biopsies, mucus removal, or foreign body retrieval.

Question 5

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs):

Answer 5

Assess lung volumes, capacities, and airflow dynamics, helping diagnose restrictive or obstructive lung diseases.

Question 6

Tidal volume (TV)

Answer 6

The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Question 7

Inspiratory Reserve volume (IRV)

Answer 7

The maximum volume of air that can be inhaled beyond tidal inspiration.

Question 8

Expiratory Reserve volume (ERV)

Answer 8

The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled beyond tidal inspiration.

Question 9

Residual volume (RV)

Answer 9

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after maximum expiration, preventing lung collapse.

Question 10

Vital Capacity (VC)

Answer 10

The total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after maximum inhalation (VC = TV + IRV + ERV).

Question 11

Total Lung Capacity (TLC):

Answer 11

The total volume of air the lungs can hold after maximum inspiration (TLC = VC + RV)

Question 12

Lung lobes and fissures

Answer 12

Right lung
Left lung
Oblique fissure
Horizontal

Question 13

Right lung

Answer 13

Superior, middle, and inferior lobes.

Question 14

Left lung

Answer 14

Superior and inferior lobes

Question 15

Oblique fissure

Answer 15

present in both lungs, extending from the spinous process of T2 posteriorly to the 6th rib at the midclavicular line anteriorly.

Question 16

Horizontal fissure

Answer 16

Present only in the right lung, running along the 4th rib at the midclavicular line and meeting the oblique fissure laterally.

Question 17

Midclavicular line

Answer 17

used for anterior lung examination.

Question 18

Midaxillary line

Answer 18

Used for lateral auscultation, particularly of the middle lobe of the right lung.

Question 19

Scapular line

Answer 19

Used for posterior auscultation of the lower lung fields

Question 20

Lung expansion

Answer 20

During inspiration, the lung apices extend above the clavicles, while the bases reach the diaphragm at approximately 6th rib anteriorly, 8th rib laterally, and 10th rib posteriorly.

Question 21

Vesicular breath sounds

Answer 21

Normal breath sounds heard over most lung fields
Characterized by a soft, low-pitched inspiratory sound that is longer than expiration.

Question 22

Abnormal breath sounds

Answer 22

• Wheezing
• Cracklies (Rales)
• Rhonchi
• Stridor

Question 23

Wheezing

Answer 23

High-pitched, musical sound due to airway narrowing
Asthma COPD or airway obstruction

Question 24

Cracklies (Rales)

Answer 24

Discontinuous, popping sounds caused by fluid or collapsed alveoli reopening.
Heard in pulmonary edema, pneumonia, or interstitial lung disease.

Question 25

Rhonchi

Answer 25

Low-pitched, snoring sounds due to mucus or secretions in the airways.
Common in chronic bronchitis or airway infections.

Question 26

Stridor

Answer 26

Harsh, high-pitched sound heard over the upper airway, indicating severe airway obstruction.
Seen in croup, epiglottitis, or foreign body aspiration.