Final answer:
A CXR can help diagnose CHF, PTX, PE, rib fractures, and pneumonia. It provides additional information about heart function but is not a direct diagnostic tool for asthma.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chest x-ray (CXR) can be used to diagnose several diseases related to the respiratory system. From the given options, the following can be diagnosed using a CXR:
- CHF (Congestive Heart Failure): Although CXR primarily helps in evaluating the heart, it can show changes in the size and shape of the heart that are indicative of CHF.
- PTX (Pneumothorax): CXR can detect the presence of air in the space between the lung and chest wall, which is characteristic of PTX.
- PE (Pulmonary Embolism): CXR may not directly diagnose PE, but it can be used to rule out other conditions and provide additional information when evaluating for PE.
- Rib fracture: CXR can identify fractures in the ribs.
- PNA (Pneumonia): CXR is commonly used to diagnose pneumonia by showing infiltrates or consolidation in the lungs.
- Heart function: CXR can provide information about the size and shape of the heart, which indirectly reflects its function but is not a direct diagnostic tool.
- Asthma: CXR is not typically used to diagnose asthma, as it primarily involves evaluating the airway function through pulmonary function tests.