What did the initial chest x-ray show? Explain the medical terms used. What term indicated that the condition was caused by fractured ribs? What procedure was used to relieve the condition? What is the lesson from this case report?
SCENARIO
A 22-year-old man who was a known heroin abuser was admitted to an emergence department comatose, with shallow respirations. Routine laboratory studies and chest x-ray studies were done after the patient was aroused. He was then transferred to the ICU. He complained of left-sided chest pain. Examination of the chest film showed three fractured ribs on the right and a large right pleural effusion. Further questioning of a friend revealed that he had fallen and struck the corner of a table after injecting heroin.
The diagnosis was traumatic hemothorax secondary to rib fractures and a chest tube was inserted into the right pleural space. No blood could be obtained despite maneuvering of the tube. Another chest x-ray showed that the tube was correctly placed in the right pleural space, but the fractured ribs and the pleural effusion were on the left. The radiologist then realized that he had reversed the first film. A second tube was inserted into the left pleural space, and 1500 ml. [6 to 7 cups] of blood was evacuated.
- Using the scenario above, answer the following questions:
- What did the initial chest x-ray show? Explain the medical terms used.
- What term indicated that the condition was caused by fractured ribs?
- What procedure was used to relieve the condition?
- What is the lesson from this case report?
The chest x ray is is also known as the chest filim or a chest radiograph which is the images of the chest and the organs present in the chest of a person such as lungs, heart, blood vessels, airway, bones at the chest such as ribs etc. It helps to detect the condition as soon as possible to prevent the further complications and consequences associated with the abnormalities.
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