X-rays

Question 1

How do X-rays Work?

X-rays

Answer 1

• A sheet of film is placed on the side of the patient opposite the X-ray tube.
• The X-rays passing through the patient will be absorbed by some objects, casting a shadow on the film.
• X-rays that pass-through low-density objects like the skin and pockets of air hit the film at full force and generate black shadows on the film.
• X-rays that pass through high-density objects like bone are partially absorbed and generate a whiter shadow on the film.

Question 2

define radiolucent

X-rays

Answer 2

the darkest images on the film

Question 3

define radiopaque

X-rays

Answer 3

the lightest images on the film

Question 4

what is PA view

X-rays

Answer 4

• The beam passes through the posterior wall first.
• The shoulders are abducted to rotate the scapulae away from the posterior chest.
• The radiograph is taken on full inspiration.
• The X-ray tube should be centred at the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebrae.
• An anterior image of the chest is created.

Question 5

How should airway be checked on the x-ray?

X-rays

Answer 5

• are there any breathing tubes
• is te trachea aligned properly

Question 6

How should the bones be checked in an x-ray?

X-rays

Answer 6

• the clavicles and ribs
• are there any fractures
• have the bones rotated

Question 7

How should the cardiac shadow be checked on an x-ray?

X-rays

Answer 7

should be no longer or shorter than 5cm

Question 8

how should the diaphragm be checked on an x-ray?

X-rays

Answer 8

• should lie between the 8th and 12th rib
• is the diaphragm sat too high on one side? (stroke)

Question 9

what else should be checked on an x-ray (E)?

X-rays

Answer 9

• foreign objects
• tumours
• ecg tubes
• pacemakers