Ap Or PA Projection ( Right Or Left Lateral Decubitus)

Question 1

When is lateral decubitus used in chest x-ray.

Answer 1

• When wanting to confirm the presence of pneumothorax or pleura effusion .
• When the patient cannot sit, stand or be in semi-recumbent position
• To demonstrate air in the pleural cavity if patient lies on the non-affected side
• To demonstrate fluid in the pleural cavity , affected side

Question 2

Centering point of lateral decubitus projection

Answer 2

To the center of the IR

Horizontal beam 90 degrees to the image receptor

Question 3

When is dorsal decubitus of the chest used

Answer 3

When the patient cannot be turned onto his side

Question 4

Patient positioning of dorsal decubitus

Answer 4

• The patient is supine and is raised on radiolucent pads
• The arms raised above the head.
• A gridded IR is supported against the affected lateral wall.

Question 5

Dorsal decubitus centering point

Answer 5

Horizontal beam directed to the lower end of the axilla, at the level of the sternal angle, midway between the front and the back of the patient.