ATI Pediatrics Test Bank Related

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A chest radiograph film is ordered for a child with suspected cardiac problems. The child's parent asks the nurse, "What will the radiograph show about the heart?" What knowledge about the x-ray should the nurse include in the response to the parents?

  • A. Bones of chest but not the heart
  • B. Measurement of electrical potential generated from heart muscle
  • C. Permanent record of heart size and configuration
  • D. Computerized image of heart vessels and tissues
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A chest radiograph film, commonly known as a chest X-ray, shows a permanent record of the size and configuration of the heart. It can provide information about the overall size and shape of the heart, the presence of any abnormalities (such as an enlarged heart), and the position of the heart within the chest cavity. While a chest X-ray can also show the bones of the chest, it is primarily used to visualize the heart and lungs. It does not measure electrical potential generated from heart muscle (which would be seen on an ECG) or show a computerized image of heart vessels and tissues (which would typically require more advanced imaging techniques such as a CT scan or MRI).