Test 1: Xray Flashcards
(98 cards)
Overexposure:
-too dark, could see bones well
-thoracic spine, mediastinal structures, and retrocardiac areas seen well, but fine structures in lung not seen
Underexposure:
-too white/light
-can think infiltrates are present when they are not
What’s the main difference in AP vs PA x-rays?
-anterior-posterior (AP) x-rays will make the heart appear LARGER.
System for interpreting x-rays:
ATMIB
-Abdomen
-Thorax
-Mediastinum
-Individual Lungs
-Bilateral lungs
Most important things to look at with abdomen on x-ray:
-location of gastric bubble
-hemidiaphragms
What is the deep sulcus sign?
-air/pneumo can push down on lung and this depresses the diaphragm
What does this image show?
-Pneumothorax in the lower left lobe (dark space that contours to the normal costophrenic angle)
Counting ribs: start on anterior or posterior side?
Anterior!!
When are we worried about the size of the cardiac silhouette?
-If greater than 1/2 to 2/3 the thoracic distance, this would indicate cardiomegaly
What does 3 indicate in this image?
The aortic knob
What can we do to the x-ray image to see air-filled structures easier?
invert it!
So no matter what system we use, what all do we need to assess on x-rays?
-bony framework
-soft tissues
-lung fields and Hila
-diaphragm and pleural spaces
-mediastinum and heart
-abdomen and neck
Which ribs should the diaphragm overlie?
-posterior aspect of the 10th or 11th ribs
What parts of spine can we make out on x-ray from an anterior view?
-Down to T3 to T4
What can be blocked by mediastinum and underexposed?
Sternum
True or false: hemothoraxes are usually one-sided
True!
What is the hilum or the “lung root”?
-the shadow of pulmonary artery and vein adjacent the heart shadow
What’s a picture of a normal air bubble?
:)
Examples of Different Densities:
Pitfalls to poor chest x-ray interpretation:
-poor inspiration
-over or under-penetration
-rotation of patient
-forgetting the path of x-ray beam
Where do we want ETT to be?
2-3 cm above the carina
Where are aspirated substances more likely to settle?
-in the bases of the lungs
Image of Segments of right lung:
-extensive overlap in the anterior view!
-RUL occupies upper 1/3 of right lung
-anteriorly, RUL extends inferiorly as far as 4th rib
Which ribs do the right upper lobe of the right lung sit adjacent to?
-first 3-5 ribs