Chest x-ray in the intensive care unit

Chest X-ray is a common daily occurrence in intensive care units. Along with the physical examination, analytical determinations and electrocardiographic traces, it is used as a tool for monitoring the clinical condition of the patient. The aim of the present paper is to determine the characteristics of the chest x-ray in a intensive care scenario, its main indications, how its execution develops, and the quality parameters that make it clinically useful as regards the patient. The intensive care nurse occasionally has to be present during the radiographic exposure, which is based on an ionizing radiation based technique, thus the proper radioprotection measures required to ensure their safety must also be determined. (c) 2011 ACTEDI. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.