Chapter 3 - Chest/Abdomen

Question 1

An AP abdomen projection demonstrates that the lower lumbar vertebrae are asymmetric. The projection:
a. was obtained with the pelvis and thorax both rotated.
b. was obtained with the pelvis rotated.
c. was obtained with the CR not correctly aligned with the iliac crest.
d. was obtained with the thorax rotated.

Answer 1

b.was obtained with the pelvis rotated.

Question 2

On a CXR, an endotracheal tube should be visualized:
a. at the level of the carina
b. 1-2” superior to carina
c. 1-2” inferior to carina
d. in the SVC

Answer 2

b. 1-2” superior to carina

Question 3

A PA chest projection with accurate positioning demonstrates all of the following except:
a. the scapulae outside the lung field.
b. the manubrium superimposed by the second thoracic vertebra.
c. 10 posterior ribs above the diaphragm.
d. equal posterior rib length on both sides of the chest.

Answer 3

b. the manubrium superimposed by the second thoracic vertebra.

Question 4

A right PA oblique chest projection (RAO position) corresponds with which AP oblique projection?
a. LPO
b. RPO

Answer 4

a. LPO

Question 5

A supine AP abdomen projection obtained with the patient in an LPO position demonstrates:
(1) the sacrum & coccyx aligned with the symphysis pubis.
(2) a distance from the pedicles to the spinous processes that is narrower on the right side than on the left side.
(3) the sacrum rotated toward the patient’s right side.
(4) the symphysis pubis rotated toward the patient’s right side.

Answer 5

2 and 3 only

Question 6

An AP abdomen projection demonstrates a smaller distance from the right lumbar vertebral pedicle to the spinous process than the left pedicles to the spinous process. The projection:
a. was obtained w/ the pt in an LPO position.
b. will also demonstrate the sacrum rotated toward the left side.
c. was obtained w/ the central ray angled toward the right side.
d. was obtained w/ the right side of the pt placed closer to the IR than the left.

Answer 6

a. was obtained with the patient in an LPO position.

Question 7

Optimal contrast, density, & penetration have been achieved on AP abdominal projections when which anatomic structures are demonstrated?
a.psoas major muscle, kidneys, intestinal gas, and lumbar transverse processes
b.psoas major muscle, kidneys, inferior ribs, and lumbar transverse processes
c. kidneys, intestinal gas, and intrinsic fat
d. intestinal gas, diaphragmatic dome, and symphysis pubis

Answer 7

b. psoas major muscle, kidneys, inferior ribs, and lumbar transverse processes

Question 8

For an accurately positioned lateral CXR the MCP should be____________________, and the MSP should be_________________ in reference to the IR.

Answer 8

perpendicular; parallel

Question 9

Which of the following is used to evaluate rotation on a KUB image?
(1) spinous processes of the lumbar vertebrae should be in the center of the vertebral body
(2) alae of the ilia are symmetric
(3) ischial spines, if visible, are symmetric

Answer 9

1, 2, & 3

Question 10

A rotated left lateral chest projection demonstrates the heart shadow not extending past the sternum. Which is the anteriorly positioned lung?
a. right
b. left

Answer 10

a. right

Question 11

An AP mobile chest projection obtained with the central ray angled too caudally demonstrates _____ than 1 inch of the apices above the clavicles and _____ shaped posterior ribs.
a. less; horizontally
b. more; horizontally
c. more; vertically
d. less; vertically

Answer 11

c. more; vertically

Question 12

A supine AP abdomen projection with accurate positioning demonstrates the:
(1) outline of the psoas major muscles and kidneys.
(2) symphysis pubis.
(3) spinous processes aligned with the midline of the vertebral bodies.
(4) long axis of the vertebral column aligned with the long axis of the collimated field.

Answer 12

1, 2, 3, and 4

Question 13

A lateral chest projection demonstrates the posterior ribs separated by 2.5 inches. The superior heart shadow extends anteriorly to the lungs. How should the patient be repositioned
a. to obtain an optimal image?
lean the patient foward slightly.
b. rotate the right side of the chest approx. 1 inch posteriorly.
c. rotate the right side of the chest approx. 1 inch anteriorly.
d. this is an acceptable separation, so no movement is needed.

Answer 13

c. rotate the right side of the chest approx. 1 inch anteriorly.

Question 14

If a patient were to remove one shoulder from touching the IR before a PA chest exposure, the image effect would be:
a. the clavicles would appear above the apices.
b.the sternal ends of the clavicles would no longer be equidistant from the vertebral column.
c. the level of the manubrium would be lowered.
d. the sternum would superimpose the vertebral column.

Answer 14

b. the sternal ends of the clavicles would no longer be equidistant from the vertebral column.

Question 15

Which of the following is not true for a left lateral chest projection with accurate positioning?
a. the right hemidiaphragm inferior to the left hemidiaphragm.
b. no humeral soft tissue in the lung field.
c. no more than a total of 0.5 inch of space between the posterior or anterior ribs.
d. they are all true.

Answer 15

a. the right hemidiaphragm inferior to the left hemidiaphragm.

Question 16

A PA chest projection that demonstrates the vertebral column superimposing the left SC joint with the right SC joint having less superimposition:
a. was obtained with the patient rotated toward the right side or in an RAO position.
b. was obtained with the patient rotated toward the left side or in an LAO position.
c. was obtained with the patient tilted away from the IR.
d. was obtained with the patient tilted toward the IR.

Answer 16

b. was obtained with the patient rotated toward the left side or in an LAO position.

Question 17

A PA chest projection with poor positioning demonstrates vertical clavicles and the manubrium at the same level as the fifth thoracic vertebra. How was the patient positioned for such an image to be obtained?
a. the patient’s upper midcoronal plane was tilted toward the IR.
b. the shoulders were elevated.
c. the shoulders and elbows were not internally rotated.
d. the central ray was angled caudally.

Answer 17

a. the patient’s upper midcoronal plane was tilted toward the IR.

Question 18

An AP chest projection that demonstrates the manubrium superimposing the third thoracic vertebra
a. was obtained with the central ray angled to caudally.
b. was obtained with the central ray angled too cephalically.
c. can be improved by tilting the patient’s upper midcoronal plane posteriorly.
d.was obtained with the central ray angled toward the right side of the patient.

Answer 18

b. was obtained with the central ray angled too cephalically.