Abdominal X-rays in children: indications, procedure and interpretation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Imaging
• Diagnostic Radiology
• Abdominal Pathology

Background:

• Abdominal X-rays (AXRs) are frequently employed in pediatric cases presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or constipation unresponsive to treatment.
• AXRs are particularly indicated when serious underlying abdominal pathology is suspected in children.
• Nurses are crucial in ensuring appropriate AXR requests and safe procedure execution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the use of Abdominal X-rays (AXRs) in diagnosing pediatric abdominal pathologies.
• To discuss the indications, procedural aspects, and interpretation of AXRs in children.
• To describe specific abdominal conditions in children where AXRs aid in diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical guidelines regarding pediatric abdominal radiography.
• Discussion of the role of nurses in the AXR pathway for children.
• Analysis of diagnostic utility of AXRs for various pediatric abdominal conditions.

Main Results:

• AXRs serve as a key imaging tool for suspected serious abdominal pathology in children.
• Appropriate patient selection and safe procedural conduct are essential for effective AXR use.
• AXRs can support the diagnosis of several pediatric abdominal conditions, complementing clinical assessment.

Conclusions:

• This article, the second of a two-part series, focuses on the application of AXRs in pediatric patients beyond the neonatal period.
• Understanding the indications, procedure, and interpretation of AXRs is vital for clinicians and nurses managing pediatric abdominal complaints.
• AXRs remain an important diagnostic modality for specific abdominal conditions in children, aiding in timely and accurate diagnosis.