Understanding neonatal chest x-rays. Part I: What to look for

Understanding chest x-rays is an important aspect of nursing care. It enables the nurse to (1) recognize and report abnormal findings that may be life threatening, (2) follow the progression of a disease process, and (3) optimize patient care. A systematic approach is necessary when reading a chest x-ray to reduce the possibility of missing important features, especially in the presence of an obvious or striking abnormality. This article discusses several factors to consider when reading a chest x-ray. It also reviews the clinical and radiographic manifestations of some neonatal respiratory disorders.