Question

What is the indication for CXR for a patient with acute bronchitis?

1) To rule out pneumonia
2) To assess the severity of bronchitis
3) To monitor the progress of treatment
4) None of the above

Answer 1

The use of CXR for a patient with acute bronchitis serves to rule out pneumonia, which requires immediate medical attention unlike uncomplicated bronchitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The indication for a CXR (chest x-ray) for a patient with acute bronchitis is primarily to rule out pneumonia. While acute bronchitis is a relatively common and often self-limiting condition characterized by the inflammation of the bronchi with symptoms such as coughing and mucus production, pneumonia is a more serious lung infection with consolidation in the lungs, and it requires prompt medical treatment. CXR can reveal lung infiltrates or consolidation indicative of pneumonia, which cannot be seen in bronchitis without complication. This diagnostic tool is crucial in differentiating between the two conditions to ensure appropriate management. However, in an uncomplicated case of acute bronchitis, a chest x-ray is not always necessary, as the condition is usually viral in origin and self-resolving.