When performing portable chest radiography to assess pleural effusions,

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pleural fluid accumulation becomes apparent radiographically when enough fluid is present to show costophrenic blunting.When it is radiographically apparent,the angles typically show medial displacement.Costophrenic fluids may approach 300 mL or more before becoming radiographically evident on posteroanterior or anteroposterior chest projections,but as little as 150 mL of fluid may be visible on lateral decubitus views.Supine imaging may obscure visualization of pleural fluids and should be avoided when possible.

When Performing Portable Chest Radiography to Assess Pleural Effusions