LEC 27 - Abdominal Radiographs Flashcards
What is the minimum amount of views for abdominal radiographs?
2 views
What abdominal structures can be seen on radiographs?
Stomach, Small intestines, Large intestines, Liver, Kidneys, Bladder, and spleen
What can tell you whether or not there is liver enlargement?
Whether the liver is maintained within the rib cage or not
If a patient is having urinary problems why is it important to have multiple views?
If the problem is urinary calculi can sometimes blend in with the surrounding bone. need to make sure you can see it in the pelvic flexure in case of a urinary block.
How can you determine the body condition of patient on xray?
Look at clarity of abdomen (sometimes can be fuzzy due to fat). Look at fat pad above spine.
What are ways that you can tell whether a haziness in the abdomen is an abnormality or a artifact?
Look at the surrounding structures, are they clear? Can you see some of the structures in the abdomen clearly? Look for displacement of structures as well.
What are reasons for pneumoperitoneum?
Surgery, trauma, abscess, or rupture
What should you do if there is pneumoperitoneum and the patient has not had surgery recently?
CUT! this is an emergency and patient can go into shock
How do you know if a patient as a fully rotated stomach or just distention on x-ray?
Look for double sign, if present this means there is torsion. Will need surgery.
What will happen if you pass a tube with 180 degree rotation of the stomach?
Can relieve pressure and fix torsion
What will happen if you pass a tub with 360 degree rotation of the stomach?
Nothing, can not fix it
what is radiographic sign that there is an intussception?
Looks like there is “three colons”. There will be alot of air and intestinal enlargement
How do you know if a foreign body will pass or not?
Once it is in the colon you can assume that the patient will pass the foreign body. otherwise will most likely need to go to surgery.
