CHAPTER 2 Respiratory System^133
Chest X-ray
WHY IS IT DONE?
Used to detect the size and position of the heart and structural abnormalities of
the lungs.
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
An x-ray machine directs x-rays through the chest and onto film positioned behind
the patient. As x-rays are directed to the patient, some are absorbed by the body and
others pass through to the film. Areas of the body that absorb x-rays appear light on
the film. Dark areas on the film represent x-rays that passed through the body.
WHAT TO DO?
- Before the procedure:
- Explain the test to the patient and that the patient will be asked to hold his
or her breath while the x-ray is taken. - Before the test, remove all jewelry, zippers, hooks, and any metal on the
part of the body being x-rayed.
- Explain the test to the patient and that the patient will be asked to hold his
- During the procedure:
- Patient should hold his or her breath during the image to get a clear picture.
Pulmonary Angiography
WHY IS IT DONE?
Provides a view of the pulmonary circulatory system so that the physician can
determine the condition of blood flow to the lungs.
HOW DOES THE TEST WORK?
Radiopaque dye is inserted into the patient’s veins after a catheter has been passed
through the heart into the pulmonary artery fluoroscopically. The image is watched
on a screen as the dye flows through the pulmonary circulatory system.