Case 1
A 58 year-old male is admitted following a fall with a significant head injury. A chest radiograph is taken (upper panel).
Are the tubes and lines appropriately positioned?
a) Yes
b) No
The nasogastric tube was withdrawn but the patient remained hypoxic (lower panel).
Is the endotracheal tube appropriately positioned?
a) Yes
b) No
What complication has developed?
a) Pneumothorax
b) Haemothorax
c) Left lung collapse
d) Consolidation
e) Tracheal perforation
Answers
Case 1
b) No. The nasogastric tube has been passed down the airway and the tip is lying within the left lower lobe bronchus. It needs to be completely withdrawn and repositioned. The medial aspect of the left hemidiaphragm cannot be visualised. It is difficult to interpret the film as the patient …