Week 2 - Imaging of the Thorax and Positioning

Question 1

What are the preliminary checks for an X-ray?

Answer 1

Name/ date
AP/PA
Exposure
Position - supine, erect, rotated
Inspiration

Question 2

Describe the systemic approach for X-rays

Answer 2

Alignment
Bones
Cardiac/ mediastinum
Diaphragms
Expansion
Fields
Gadgets

Question 3

How do you know if the lungs are expanded enough?

Answer 3

10th rib posteriorly should bisect the right hemi-diaphragm at the mid clavicular line, 6th rib anteriorly

Question 4

What would you see with consolidation?

Answer 4

White/ grey shadow

No loss of volume

Question 5

What would you see with collapse?

Answer 5

White/ grey shadow

Loss of volume and shifting of structures

Question 6

What would you see with pleural effusion?

Answer 6

Fluid is white
500ml results in loss of costophrenic angle
Large amounts displace mediastinum

Question 7

What would you see with pneumothorax?

Answer 7

Air in pleural space is very black/ no lung markings
Lung may be squashed and appear as white density towards hilium
Mediastinum may be displaced to non-affected side

Question 8

What would you see with pulmonary oedema?

Answer 8

Bilateral fleecy opacities, spreading from the hila

Batwing/ butterfly wing shadows