Chest X-rays should be checked for proper positioning and exposure. The lungs should be divided into upper, middle, and lower fields and compared bilaterally. Key areas to examine include the cardiophrenic angles, diaphragm contour, apices, and hilar regions. Vascular markings can indicate cardiac problems if lower lobe vessels are less prominent than upper lobe vessels. Specific findings like Kerley lines or an enlarged carinal angle can suggest conditions such as fluid in the lungs or left atrial enlargement.