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Table 1 Findings (expected) on daily routine chest radiographs for which ICU physicians and radiologist could score

From: The clinical value of daily routine chest radiographs in a mixed medical–surgical intensive care unit is low

Abnormality

Comments

Large atelectasis

≥2 lobes

Large infiltrates

≥1 lobe

'Severe' pulmonary congestion

 

'Severe' pleural effusion

 

Pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum

Any abnormal air collection

Malposition of oropharyngeal tube

<2 cm from carina or above stem cords

Malposition of intravenous lines

Tip in right atrium or outside lumen (pulmonary artery catheter: tip in right atrium), or change in position

Malposition of intra-aortic balloon pump

 

Malposition of gastric tube

Tip outside the stomach

Malposition of drains

Displacement >5 cm or outside pleural space

  1. Abnormalities were scored by residents or clinical fellows if expected, and – separately – by radiologist if present. In addition, both requesting physician and radiologist determined whether the (expected) finding was 'old' or 'new' (see text for details). ICU, intensive care unit.
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Critical Care

ISSN: 1364-8535