Chest 3 - Special Projections Flashcards
Why are Insp/Exp projections taken?
Pneumothorax
Atelectasis
Bronchial obstruction
Why is an expiration projection helpful?
-On expiration the volume of the thorax and lungs are reduced. The pneumothorax will occupy more space and be detected easier
-can demonstrate air trapping
-used to determine if a lesion is on the ribs or in the lungs
One lung is overexpanded and one does not have any air in it
Bronchial obstruction
Why is a lordotic chest image taken?
To demonstrate areas of the apical lungs obscured on the PA projection
What are the 3 methods used for a lordotic chest image?
- Move patient 12” from IR and have patient arch back and lean against IR (midcoronal plans and IR will form 90 degrees)
- Position patient as close to #1 as possible and angle CR to form 45 degrees
- Position midcoronal plane parallel to IR and angle 45 degrees cephalically
T/F
Clavicles should be projected above the apices of the lungs for a lordotic projection
True
How much of the lung needs to be in the lordotic projection?
Apices and 2/3 of the lungs
How do you best demonstrate the presence of a pneumothorax?
Position the affected side of the thorax away from the table
How do you best demonstrate a pleural effusion?
Position the affects side against the table
How long does a patient need to be in the lateral decubitus position for optimal pathology visualization?
5 minutes
T/F
For a lateral decubitus position the patient need to lay on a sponge to elevated the chest
True
Why is an AP lateral decubitus usually done?
Because the back will be flat against the IR
How is the side of the lateral decubitus identified?
Whichever side is closest to the table
Example. Left side is closest to the table = left lateral decubitus
How many posterior ribs should be visualized on a lateral decubitus?
9
LDD
Lateral dorsal decubitus
(Supine position)
Image taken from side (lateral)
