Answer and discussion

Noteworthy is the mid-sternal strip of lucency (arrowed) which is indicative of a dehisced sternum. Sternal dehiscence is the process of separation of the bony sternum, which often is accompanied by mediastinitis (infection of the deep soft tissue).2 Although the sternal wires appear in place, they often do move “wandering sternal wires”.1 For those who nurse patients following cardiac surgery via a medial sternotomy it is essential to be aware of early manifestations of infection in the mediastinum.
Source: Australian Critical Care - Category: Nursing Tags: Chest x-ray quiz Source Type: research