Module 7 Chest Radiography Flashcards
Mostly theory; not much on CxR
Systemic approach:
What is PPPLBS
Person
Position
Penetration
Lines
Bones
Soft Tissue.
Factors to consider on Position
PA or AP
Chest visibility
Distance between costophrenic angles and spine
costophrenic angle
where the diaphragm meets the ribs
Level of inspiration:
what position would be expected for the diaphragm during inspiration?
8-10th ribs posteriorly
5-6 anteriorly
PA view
Back to front
(we see the front)
AP view
Front to back
(we see the back)
Penetration:
Overexposed vs Underexposed
Overexposed = dark
Under = light
Lines + Tubes:
ETT?
The endotracheal tube would be:
-Midline
-[3-5cm] above the carina.
Bones: Factors to consider?
Intercostal space symmetry and spacing
flattening and wide spaces = COPD
Fractures & deformtities?
Soft tissues
Extrathoracic soft tissues
Lungs-trachea, bronchi, parenchyma
Pleura
Diaphragm
Heart, great vessels, and mediastinum
Upper abdomen
Soft tissue:
What does a absence of tissue markings indicate?
COPD
Pneumothorax
Pneumonectomy
Soft tissue:
What does a increase in tissue markings in lungs parenchyma (tissue) indicate
Fibrosis
edema (alveolar or interstitial)
lung compression
what could lower diapghram problems indicate?
Hyperinflation (COPD)
or fluid in pleural space.
Diaphragm is being pushed down
Cardiomegaly = Large heart, what does it indicate?
Heart failure
Soft tissue: heart markers
Upper bulge on the left:
Superior vena cava and lower right atrium.
What would Respiratory use a CxR
-Use cxr findings to aid in patient diagnosis
-determine line or tube placement (**ETT)
-view trends in the cxr to understand advancement or resolution of pathology
-aid in the x-ray technician in proper positioning of the patient
Radiopaque
High density objects absorb more x-rays and appear white/grey
i.e bone
Radio lucena or radiolucent?
Less dense objects absorb less x-rays and appear black
i.e Air
Order of increasing densities and visibility on CxR
Gas (air) = black
Fat (adipose) = Dark Grey
Soft tissue (water) = light grey
Bone = White
Metal = bright white/reflective.
standard CxR views
PA
Lateral
AP
Special CxR views
Oblique
Lateral Decubitus
Apical Lordotic
Expiration film
Special CxRs:
Oblique view
5 degree turn for routine lateral
45 degree to help localize abonrmality
Special CxR:
Lateral decubitus
Suspect side down
Used to look for effusions
Special CxR:
Apical Lordotic
up angled shot
Special CxR:
Exploratory film
used to look for Pnemothorax
Why is an exploratory film taken when there is suspicion of a pneumothorax?
Expiratory film accentuates the pneumothorax.
If there is air trapping, it will also be used on expiration because all of the air will be out of the lungs except the area where air is unable to come out.