Chest X-Ray
- Normal pulmonary tissue is radiolucent and appears black on film. Thus, densities produced by tumors, foreign bodies, infiltrates, can be detected as lighter or white images.
- This test shows the position of normal structures, displacement, and presence of abnormal shadows. It may reveal pathology in the lungs in the absence of symptoms.
Nursing and Patient Care Considerations
- Should be taken upright if patient's condition permits. Assist technician at bedside in preparing patient for portable chest X-ray.
- Encourage patient to take deep breath, hold breath, and remain still as X-ray is taken.
- Make sure that all jewelry, electrocardiogram (ECG) leads or metal objects in X-ray field are removed so as not to interfere with film.
- Consider the contraindication of X-rays for pregnant patients.
Computed Tomography Scan
- An imaging method in which the lungs are scanned in successive layers by a narrow X-ray beam. A computer printout is obtained of the absorption values of the tissues in the plane that is being scanned.
- It may be used to define pulmonary nodules, pulmonary abnormalities, or to demonstrate mediastinal abnormalities and hilar adenopathy.
Nursing and Patient Care Considerations
- Describe test to patient and family. Test takes about 30 minutes.
- Be alert to allergies to iodine or other radiographic contrast media that might be used during testing.
- Consider the contraindication of X-rays for the pregnant patient, especially for computed tomography (CT) scans with contrast media.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- A type of emission tomography based on magnetizing patient tissue, generating a weak electromagnetic signal, and mapping that signal for visualization.
- Provides contrast between various soft tissues.
- Traditional radiographic contrast media are not used but gadolinium injection may be necessary, depending on the patient's medical history and anatomy to be imaged
- It is helpful to synchronize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) picture to the ECG in thoracic studies.
- The hazards of MRI during pregnancy are unknown. X-ray radiation is not used during MRI.
