How do you read ABC chest X-ray?

How do you read ABC chest X-ray?

Using A, B, C, D, E is a helpful and systematic method for chest x-ray review:

1. A: airways.
2. B: breathing (the lungs and pleural spaces)
3. C: circulation (cardiomediastinal contour)
4. D: disability (bones – especially fractures)
5. E: everything else, e.g. pneumoperitoneum.

How do you describe a chest X-ray?

A chest X-ray is a test that looks at your heart, lungs and bones. Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create a black-and-white image. Healthcare providers can look at this image to diagnose and treat broken bones, heart conditions and lung problems.

How do you document a chest X-ray?

Documenting the CXR results in the notes

1. Document the time and date that the CXR was performed as this may be significantly different from the time you are documenting.
2. Write the indication for the CXR (e.g. “productive cough, shortness of breath and fever – possible community-acquired pneumonia”)

What can a chest xray diagnose?

Chest X-rays can detect cancer, infection or air collecting in the space around a lung, which can cause the lung to collapse. They can also show chronic lung conditions, such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis, as well as complications related to these conditions. Heart-related lung problems.

How is ABCDE used in chest X-ray interpretation?

The ABCDE approach can be used to carry out a structured interpretation of a chest X-ray: A irway: trachea, carina, bronchi and hilar structures. B reathing: lungs and pleura. C ardiac: heart size and borders. D iaphragm: including assessment of costophrenic angles.

What should you do when interpreting a chest X-ray?

With so many crucial body systems encompassed in one test it’s necessary to have a systematic method for approaching chest X-ray interpretation. Fortunately, simply following the first few letters of the alphabet can help. The first thing you should do when interpreting a chest X-ray is to check the patient name on the image.

How many ribs can you see on a chest X-ray?

Because of this, overinflation will result in a greater number of ribs that can be visible on the chest X-Rays. Normally, 8-10 ribs are expected to be seen on the chest X-Ray (Figure-9). Figure-9: Bone structures on the PA chest X-Ray.

How are the lungs divided in a chest X-ray?

Lungs Inspect the lungs for abnormalities: When interpreting a chest X-ray you should divide each of the lungs into three zones, each occupying one-third of the height of the lung. These zones do not equate to lung lobes (e.g. the left lung has three zones but only two lobes).