X- RAY (RADIOGRAPHY) X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light.

In a health care setting, a machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray. INDICATIONS
X-rays are used to form an image of the interior of the body, called a radiograph. They assist in the diagnosis of: - Fractures, dislocations and joint erosions; - Organ collapse (ex. Lungs) or enlargement (ex. The heart); Solid tumor location; - Gas distribution (e.g. digestive system). With the introduction of a contrast medium (a substance that shows up well on X-ray films) into part of the body, X-rays can be used to demonstrate: - Blood flow along an artery or vein; - Organ function, e.g. the kidney (pyelogram); - The patency of a tube or canal, e.g. the digestive tract (using barium), or a myelogram.

PROCEDURE Patients obtaining a chest X-ray will often be requested to use an Xray gown, and extra metallic objects such as jewelry are removed from the chest and/or neck areas. These objects can block X-ray penetration, making the result less accurate. Patients may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it during the chest X-ray in order to inflate the lungs to their maximum, which increases the visibility of different tissues within the chest. The chest X-ray procedure often involves a view from the back to the front of the body as well as a view from the side. The view from the side is called a lateral chest X-ray. Occasionally, different angles are added in order for the radiologist to interpret certain specific areas of the chest. The radiology technologist or technician is a trained, certified assistant to the radiologist who will help the patient during the X-ray and actually perform the X-ray test procedure. After the chest X-ray is taken and

recorded on the X-ray film, the film is placed into a developing machine, and this picture (which is essentially a photographic negative) is examined and interpreted by the radiologist. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES - Reduce anxiety in some patients, particularly in those who are very young or
confused. Some may be anxious about the exposure to radiation, and need to be given as much information as possible about the test, and to be aware of the benefits of having the procedure. - Simple, loose clothing is important to gain access to that part of the body under examination. This may mean a loose fitting gown for hospital patients. The patient may need a dressing gown and footwear for privacy and warmth while away from bed. - If the x- ray procedure involves contrast medium, check to see if the patient has any allergies, particularly to iodine or seafood (which may indicate an iodine allergy). - Check that the patient has emptied the bladder before the test commences. - Check to see if a female patient is, or could be pregnant. Exposure of the unborn fetus to X-rays can be damaging to the child. - After the test, the patient should be returned to their normal activities if these have been disturbed such as eating and drinking, as quickly as possible. - Whilst most contrast medium allergies are instantaneous, nurses should be aware of possible longer-term reactions over the next few hours or days, and observe patients accordingly.