x-ray

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Definition
A sinus x-ray is a picture of the air-filled
cavities in the front of the skull.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation
-- like light, but of higher energy. They can pass
through the body to form an image on film.
Structures that are dense (such as bone) look
white, air looks black, and other structures are
shades of gray.

During a sinus x-ray, x-rays pass through the
sinuses and form an image on a special type of
film. The sinuses are usually filled with air,
which appears black on x-ray film. An opaque (whitened) area on an otherwise normal film may indicate
the presence of sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses), hemorrhage, tumor,
or other problems.
A sinus x-ray is taken in a hospital radiology department or your health care provider's office. You will be
asked to sit in a chair so that any fluids in the sinus may be easily seen on the pictures. The technician
may place your head in different positions as the pictures are taken.
Lateral projection of the paranasal sinuses
Reasons for the Procedure
A sinus x-ray may be performed to detect injury or other
problems in the sinuses, to assess inflammation or infection,
or to determine the location and size of a tumor or other
mass. The procedure may also be used to evaluate the
patient after sinus surgery.
Advantages of a sinus x-ray are that it is simple, quick, non-
invasive, relatively inexpensive, and can give the physician
useful information. However, a disadvantage is that a sinus x-
ray can determine only that a problem exists, not the specific
cause of the problem.
There may be other reasons for your physician to
recommend a sinus x-ray.



Nursing Responsibilities:
Pre-Procedure:
a. Provide patient information about the procedure. Generally, there is little or no discomfort
associated with x-rays. This test is performed when symptoms of sinusitis or other sinus
disorders are present.
b. Assess women of childbearing age for possible pregnancy. Inform physician if client is pregnant.
c. Inform client to remove all jewlry.
d. Notify the radiologic technologist if client has a prosthetic (artificial) eye, because the prosthesis
can create a confusing shadow on a sinus x-ray.
During the Procedure:
a. Insttuct client to hold still while x-ray pictures are taken.
b. Position client sitted on chair so that any fluids in the sinus may be easily seen on the pictures.
Place clinet’s head on different positions as the technician requests.
c. Cover body parts not being imaged with a lead apron (shield) to avoid exposure to the x-
rays.
Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003803.htm
http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/greystone_27217.htm

Waters' view of the sinuses showing partial opacification of the right maxillary sinus, with an air-
fluid level.

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