Chest X-Ray Interpretation
Normal Findings & Abnormalities
- Posterior-anterior (PA) view is standard with patient standing upright and chest against film plate for optimal visualization.
- Consolidation appears as white/opaque areas indicating fluid, pus, or solid material in alveoli, commonly seen in pneumonia.
- Pneumothorax shows as dark area without lung markings, with possible mediastinal shift in tension pneumothorax.
Important Alert: Always check for tracheal deviation and mediastinal shift - indicates tension pneumothorax requiring immediate intervention!
Key Points
- Remove all metal objects before X-ray
- Pregnant women require lead apron protection
- Portable chest X-rays are less detailed than department films
Advanced Respiratory Diagnostics
Bronchoscopy
- Obtain informed consent and ensure NPO status 6-12 hours before procedure
- Administer pre-procedure sedation and topical anesthesia to throat and airways
- Monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, and cardiac rhythm during procedure
- Post-procedure: Keep NPO until gag reflex returns (2-4 hours)
Post-bronchoscopy: Monitor for hemoptysis, pneumothorax, and respiratory distress. Report fever >101°F or persistent bleeding immediately.
CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA)
- Gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism with contrast dye injection to visualize pulmonary vessels.
- Requires IV access for contrast administration and assessment of kidney function (creatinine, BUN) before procedure.
Key Points
- Check for contrast allergies and shellfish/iodine sensitivity
- Ensure adequate hydration before and after contrast studies
- Monitor for contrast-induced nephropathy in high-risk patients
Commonly Confused Concepts
Restrictive vs. Obstructive Disease
| Characteristic | Restrictive | Obstructive |
| FVC | Decreased | Normal or decreased |
| FEV1 | Decreased | Significantly decreased |
| FEV1/FVC Ratio | Normal (>70%) | Decreased (<70%) |
| Examples | Pulmonary fibrosis, chest wall deformity | Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis |
Memory Aid: ABG Compensation
Acute: No compensation (normal HCO3 or CO2)
Partial: pH still abnormal but moving toward normal
Complete: pH normal but CO2 and HCO3 both abnormal