Clinical Application of the Chest Radiograph – Learning Objectives
Reading: Wilkins Chapter 10, Egan Chapter 20, DesJardins Chapter 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
Define all key terms in Wilkins Chapter 10
Describe of chest x-ray is produced
Identify the four densities seen on the chest radiograph.
Explain how the relationship between the x-ray source and the patient affects the
images viewed on the radiograph.
5. State the standard distance between the x-ray source and the film for a posterioranterior chest film.
6. Identify the clinical indications for the chest radiograph (Wilkins Box 10-1)
7. Describe how to assess the degree of the patient’s inspiratory effort on a chest film
8. Explain the technique, indications, and advantages and disadvantages of the following
chest radiographic views:
a. Posteroanterior
b. Left lateral
c. Anteroposterior
d. Lateral decubitus
e. Apical lordotic
f. Oblique
g. Expiratory
9. Describe the correct position for endotracheal tube placement as seen on a chest x-ray.
10. Identify the value of assessing a chest radiograph in the following situations:
a. Central venous pressure line insertion
b. Pulmonary artery catheter placement
c. Nasogastric tube placement
d. Chest tube insertion
e. Thoracentesis
f. Pericardiocentesis
g. Bronchoscopy
11. Explain the technique, indications, and advantages and disadvantages of computed
tomography (CT) scanning.
12. Describe how CT scanning can used in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism
13. Discuss the relative uses and indications for magnetic resonance imaging in lung disease.
14. Explain the techniques and indications for performing nuclear medicine lung scans.
15. Describe how the following problems affect lung scans:
a. Thromboembolism
b. Atelectasis
c. Pneumonia
d. Emphysema
16. Explain the techniques and indications for the use of pulmonary angiography.
→
17. Recognize the proper technique for assessing the following during technical evaluation
of the chest x-ray:
a. Placement on view box
b. Adequacy of exposure
c. Patient rotation
d. Depth of inspiration
18. Recognize the proper technique for performing a systematic descriptive evaluation
(interpretation) of the chest x-ray.
19. Explain the significance of the following special radiographic evaluation signs:
a. Silhouette sign
b. Air bronchogram
c. Deep sulcus sign
d. Kerley B lines
20. Discuss the limitations of the chest radiograph.
21. Recognize the typical clinical and chest radiographic findings for the following lung
disorders:
a. Atelectasis
b. Pneumothorax/Tension Pneumothorax
c. Hyperinflation
d. Interstitial lung disease
e. Congestive heart failure
f. Pleural effusion
g. Consolidation
h. Pneumonia
22. Answer the Self-Assessment questions at the end of Chapter 7 and Chapter 10
23. Complete the Egan WB for Chapter 20
24. See Butler Chapter 29 for further review and practice on Chest Radiographs