Abdomen Study Flashcards
The xiphoid process corresponds with which vertebral level?
T9-T10
An important anatomic landmark that is commonly used to locate the center of the abdomen is the:
iliac crest
To identify the inferior margin of the abdomen, the technologist can palpate the symphysis pubis or:
greater trochanter
Which of the following factors best controls the involuntary motion of a pediatric patient during abdominal radiography?
•short exposure time
•high kVp
•clear, concise breathing instructions
•use of compression band across abdomen
short exposure time
Which topographic landmark corresponds to the inferior margin of the abdomen and is formed by the anterior junction of the two pelvic bones?
symphysis pubis
free air in the intra-abdominal cavity rises to the level of the ____________ in a patient who is in the erect position.
diaphragm
A radiograph of an AP projection of the abdomen shows that the right iliac wing is wider than the left. What type of positioning error was involved?
rotation toward the right
Most abdominal projections are taken:
on expiration
A KUB radiograph on a large hypersthenic patient shows that the entire abdomen is not included on the 14 x 17 inch IR. What can be done to correct this on the repeat radiograph?
use 2 image receptors placed in landscape orientation
What is the minimum amount of time a patient should be upright before taking a projection to demonstrate intra-abdominal free air?
5 mins
What is the preferred time a patient should be upright to demonstrate free air?
15-20 mins
If the PA chest projection is not performed for the acute abdomen series, centering for the erect abdomen projection must include the:
diaphragm
which specific decubitus position of the abdomen should be used in acute afternoon series if the patient cannot stand?
left lateral decubitus
A patient with a possible, ileus enters the emergency room. The physician orders an acute abdomen series. The patient can stand. Which specific position best demonstrates air or fluid levels in the abdomen?
AP erect abdomen
A patient with a possible perforated bowel caused by trauma enters the ER. The patient is unable to stand. Which prediction best demonstrates any possible free air within the abdomen?
left lateral decubitus
A patient with the clinical history of a possible umbilical hernia comes to the radiology department. The KUB is inconclusive. Which additional projection can be undertaken to help confirm the diagnosis?
dorsal decubitus
A patient coming to the radiology department with a clinical history of pneumoperitoneum. The patient is able to stand. Which of the following projections best demonstrates this condition?
AP erect abdomen
A patient comes to the radiology department with the clinical history of ascites. The patient is unable to stand or sit erect. Which of the following projections best demonstrates this condition?
left lateral decubitus
A patient comes in the ER with possible gallstones. The patient is in severe pain. Which of the following imaging modality’s or projections provide the quickest method for confirming the presence of gallstones?
sonography
A patient comes in to the ER with a history of Crohn’s disease. An acute abdomen series is ordered on this patient. Which of the following is a reason for this order?
•verify diagnosis
•identify current status of intestinal inflammation
•identify location of gallstones
•verify current infection
identify current status of intestinal inflammation
which of the following modalities is most effectively used to evaluate G.I. motility and reflux?
CT
MRI
Sonography
Nuclear Medicine
nuclear medicine
which of the following technical factors is essential when using computed radiography to ensure a high-quality image is produced?
low kVp
72-inch SID
large focal spot
close collimation
close collimation
What are the technical factors for a KUB? (SID, IR size, kVp range)
SID - 40 inches
IR size: 14 x 17
kVp range: 70-85
the iliac crest is at the level of the _____ vertebra
L4-5
Which topographic landmark is found at the level of L2-L3?
inferior costal margin
What are 2 causes of voluntary motion?
patient breathing
patient moving
voluntary motion can best be prevented by giving:
careful breathing instructions
What is the primary cause for involuntary motion in the abdomen?
peristaltic action of the bowel
For an adult abdomen, a collimation margin must be visible on all four sides of the radiograph.
false
Gonadal shielding should not be used during abdomen radiography if:
it obscures essential anatomy
Which of the following technical considerations is essential in performing abdomen studies on a young pediatric patient?
short exposure times
high-speed image receptor
reduced kVp and mAs
all of the above
all of the above
____________ is used to evaluate patient with acute appendicitis.
ultrasound
A tall asthenic patient may require two 14 x 17’ image receptors placed portrait so the entire abdomen is included.
true
Why is it recommended to take abdominal radiographs at the end of patient expiration?
to allow expansion of organs in abdominal cavity
Which of the following abdominal structures is not visible on a properly exposed KUB?
kidneys
margin of liver processes
pancreas
lumbar transverse processes
pancreas
Why might the PA projection of a KUB generally be less desirable than the AP projection?
increased OID of kidneys
routine for three-way abdomen series or for an acute abdominal series:
AP supine abdomen
erect abdomen
PA chest
Which projection of the 3-way acute abdomen series best demonstrates free air under the diaphragm?
PA chest
Where should the CR be at to ensure the diaphragm is included on an AP erect abdomen projection?
2 in. above iliac crest
What is the recommended overlap when using two landscape-placed image receptors for an AP projection of a supine abdomen of an obese patient?
1-2 inches
what scale of contrast is recommended for visualization of the abdominal structures on an abdominal x-ray?
long scale
A patient with a history of ascites comes to the radiology department. Which of the following positions best demonstrates this condition?
erect AP abdomen
erect PA chest
supine KUB
prone KUB
erect AP abdomen
A patient comes from the ER with a large distended admin caused by an ileus. Exposure factors for a KUB on an average, healthy adult is 76 kVp 30 mAs. Should the technologist change any of these exposure factors for this patient?
A. no. Use the standard exposure settings.
B. yes. decrease the milliamperage seconds (mAs)
C. yes. Increase the milliamperage seconds. (mAs)
D. yes. Increase the kilovoltage (kVp)
yes. decrease the milliamperage seconds (mAs)
A child goes to radiology for an admin study. It is possible that he swallowed a coin. The ER physician believes it may be in the upper G.I. track. Which of the following routines will help identify the location of the coin?
A. KUB and left lateral decubitus
B. acute abdominal series
C. KUB and lateral abdomen
D. Supine and erect KUB
KUB and lateral abdomen
