the physics of it all

Question 1

how does an X-ray work

Answer 1

beams pass through the body and are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the tissue. 1. bones and metals - appear white

2. fat and muscle - appears grey
3. air - appears black

Question 2

how much water should a drip chamber of an iv drip be filled with. what are the consequence of too little or too much

Answer 2

at least half filled.
too little - air will run through the iv line if the water in the chamber runs out before the drip can fill it, this can result in air embolism
too much - unable to see the drip rate in gravity infusions

Question 3

what is relationship between the height of an iv bag and gravitational pressure of the fluid in the bag

Answer 3

an increase in height, increases the the gravitational pressure, and therefore increases the drip rate. vice versa

Question 4

how high should an iv bag be hung and why

Answer 4

at least 3 feet above the patient’s heart, to ensure enough gravitational pressure to force the fluid into the vein