Understanding chest radiographs of infants and children: the AIR systematic approach

A plain radiograph of the chest is the most frequently requested radiological image in infants and children. Assessing chest radiographs of infants and children can be challenging because of the age-related differences in normal anatomic structures, the effect of inhalation and exhalation during the imaging, and the direction of rotation. An understanding of basic radiographic principles is necessary before beginning to interpret chest films of infants and children. Use of the AIR approach can help nurses begin to understand and assess chest radiographs of infants and children in an orderly and systematic manner.