A patient presents to the emergency department after swallowing a small, thin piece of metal. A standard abdominal x-ray is performed, but the object is not visualized. Which of the following statements best explains this finding?
Only iron-containing (ferrous) metals are radiopaque; other metals require an MRI for detection.
The object may be too small, thin, or obscured by overlying structures to be visible on the x-ray.
Metal objects are radiolucent and cannot be visualized with x-ray technology.
The x-ray was defective, as all metal objects are dense enough to be seen on any radiograph.
The visibility of an ingested foreign body on a radiograph is not guaranteed, even if it is made of a radiopaque material like metal. Radiopacity is a relative concept, and an object's visibility depends on several factors, including its size, thickness, orientation, and its X-ray attenuation compared to surrounding and overlying tissues like bone. Small or thin metallic objects, or those made of metals with lower density like aluminum, may not be visible on a standard x-ray. While most metals are radiopaque, materials like wood and plastic are typically radiolucent and not seen on x-rays. Advanced imaging, such as a CT scan, may be required for definitive localization.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are some examples of radiopaque objects that can be seen on an abdominal x-ray?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What imaging techniques are used if a radiopaque object is not visible on an x-ray?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What factors can affect the visibility of a radiopaque object on an x-ray?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access