The respiratory therapist is called to evaluate a patient with a suspected pleural effusion. The respiratory therapist would MOST likely recommend which of the following chest radiographic views to help determine if the patient has a pleural effusion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lateral decubitus radiograph is useful in the diagnosis of a suspected or known fluid accumulation in the pleural space (i.e., a pleural effusion) that is not easily seen in the PA radiograph. A pleural effusion, which is usually more thinly spread out over the diaphragm in the upright position, collects in the gravity-dependent areas while the patient is in the lateral decubitus position, allowing the fluid to be more readily seen.

The Respiratory Therapist Is Called to Evaluate a Patient with a Suspected