Chest-Anatomy and Positioning

Question 1

what is the name of the area between the two pleural cavities?

Answer 1

Mediastinum

Question 2

which is NOT demonstrated within the mediastinum in PA projections of the chest?

Answer 2

Diaphragm

Question 3

which pathologic condition of the lung involves the replacement of air with fluid in the lung interstitium and alveoli?

Answer 3

Pulmonary edema

Question 4

Why should chest radiographs be performed with a 72-inch (183-cm) SID?

Answer 4

To minimize magnification of the heart

Question 5

Why should chest radiographs be performed after the patient has suspended respiration after the second inspiration

Answer 5

To better expand the lungs

Question 6

with reference to the IR, how are the midsagittal plane and the midcoronal plane positioned for the PA projection of the chest?

Answer 6

Midsagittal: perpendicular; midcoronal: parrallel

Question 7

for the PA projection of the chest, which positioning maneuver should be performed to best remove scapulae from lung fields?

Answer 7

Rotate the shoulders forward

Question 8

Why would the chest most likely be demonstrated using two PA projections (in which the patient is seen in suspended inspiration and suspended expiration)?

Answer 8

To demonstrate pneumothorax

Question 9

Which of the following is an effective way to detect rotation of the patient with the PA projection radiograph of the chest?

Answer 9

The asymmetrical appearance of the sternoclavicular joints

Question 10

For which projection of the chest should the midsagittal plane be parallel with the IR?

Answer 10

Lateral projection

Question 11

With reference to the IR, how are the midcoronal plane and the midsagittal plane positioned for the lateral projection of the chest?

Answer 11

Midcoronal: perpendicular; midsagittal: parallel

Question 12

which projection of the chest best demomstrates lung apices free from superimposition with the clavicles?

Answer 12

AP axial projection, lordotic position (Lindblom method)

Question 13

which PA oblique projection of the chest may be used to evaluate the heart and great vessels?

Answer 13

55-60 degree LAO

Question 14

How many degrees should the patient be rotated for PA oblique projections of the chest to evaluate the lungs?

Answer 14

RAO: 45 degrees; LAO: 45 degrees

Question 15

Using a lateral decubitus position for patients who are unable to stand upright best demonstrates which of the following pathologic conditions of the chest?

Answer 15

Air or fluid levels

Question 16

with reference to the IR, how are the midsagittal plane and the midcoronal plane positioned for the AP chest, left lateral decubitus position?

Answer 16

Midsagittal: perpendicular; Midcoronal: parallel

Question 17

which pathologic condition of the lungs is best demonstrated with the AP chest, left lateral decubitus position?

Answer 17

Fluid levels in the left side or free air in the right side

Question 18

which pathologic condition of the lungs is best demonstrated with the AP chest, right lateral decubitus position?

Answer 18

Free air in the left side or fluid levels in the right side

Question 19

Which radiographic position requires that the patient be placed supine with the IR placed vertically against the patient’s right side and a horizontal central ray directed to the center of the IR?

Answer 19

Dorsal decubitus

Question 20

which radiographic position requires that the patient be placed prone?

Answer 20

Ventral decubitus

Question 21

Which evaluation criterion pertains to the PA projection radiograph of the chest?

Answer 21

Ten posterior ribs should be visible above the diaphragm

Question 22

Which evaluation criterion pertains to the PA projection radiograph of the chest?

Answer 22

The scapulae should be projected outside the lung fields

Question 23

Which evaluation criterion pertains to the lateral projection radiograph of the chest?

Answer 23

The ribs posterior to the vertebral column should be superimposed

Question 24

which evaluation criterion pertains to the AP axial projection, lordotic position radiograph of the chest?

Answer 24

The ribs should appear distorted

Question 25

which evaluation criterion pertains to the AP axial projection, lordotic position radiograph of the chest?

Answer 25

The clavicles should lie superior to the apices.