Chest X-ray (Chest Radiography)
Chest X-ray (Chest radiography, CXR) is one of the most frequently performed radiological
examinations. A chest x-ray is a painless, non-invasive test that uses electromagnetic waves to
produce visual images of the heart, lungs, bones, and blood vessels of the chest. Air spaces normally
seen in the lungs appear dark on the chest films. A basic chest x-ray includes a posteroanterior (PA)
view, in which x-rays pass from the back to the front of the body and a left lateral view. Other
projections such as lateral decubitus, lordotic views, or oblique views can also be requested. For
critically ill patients who cannot leave the nursing unit, a portable x-ray machine is performed at the
bedside using anteroposterior (AP) projections with an addition of a lateral decubitus view if a free
flow fluid or air is suspected.
Chest images should be examined in full inspiration and erect if feasible to reduce cardiac
magnification and demonstrate fluid levels. Expiration images may be needed to identify
a pneumothorax or locate foreign materials. Rib detail images may be taken to delineate bone
pathology, helpful when chest radiographs illustrate metastatic lesions or fractures. In the onset of
the disease process of asthma, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chest x-ray
results may not correlate with the patient’s clinical status and may even be normal.
Nurses are responsible for ensuring the patient’s comfort while at the x-ray room since some may
experience pain from injury or symptoms from a disease condition, as well as the apprehension
about what the result may show. In addition, producing a good quality image relies on the ability of
the patient to cooperate, such as holding breath for a while. Providing a calm and relaxed
environment for the patient is indeed vital.
Chest X-ray (Chest radiography, CXR) is one of the most frequently performed radiological
examinations. A chest x-ray is a painless, non-invasive test that uses electromagnetic waves to
produce visual images of the heart, lungs, bones, and blood vessels of the chest. Air spaces normally
seen in the lungs appear dark on the chest films. A basic chest x-ray includes a posteroanterior (PA)
view, in which x-rays pass from the back to the front of the body and a left lateral view. Other
projections such as lateral decubitus, lordotic views, or oblique views can also be requested. For
critically ill patients who cannot leave the nursing unit, a portable x-ray machine is performed at the
bedside using anteroposterior (AP) projections with an addition of a lateral decubitus view if a free
flow fluid or air is suspected.
Chest images should be examined in full inspiration and erect if feasible to reduce cardiac
magnification and demonstrate fluid levels. Expiration images may be needed to identify
a pneumothorax or locate foreign materials. Rib detail images may be taken to delineate bone
pathology, helpful when chest radiographs illustrate metastatic lesions or fractures. In the onset of
the disease process of asthma, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chest x-ray
results may not correlate with the patient’s clinical status and may even be normal.
Nurses are responsible for ensuring the patient’s comfort while at the x-ray room since some may
experience pain from injury or symptoms from a disease condition, as well as the apprehension
about what the result may show. In addition, producing a good quality image relies on the ability of
the patient to cooperate, such as holding breath for a while. Providing a calm and relaxed
environment for the patient is indeed vital.
