Chest and Abdomen Flashcards
How long should a patient lie on their side before taking a decubitus projection of the chest or abdomen?
At least 5 minutes
This allows for proper fluid levels to stabilize.
In a lateral projection of the heart and lungs, which plane is centered to the IR?
midcoronal
The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.
A left lateral decubitus or an AP upright projection of the abdomen is done to show:
air-fluid levels
This is important for assessing potential obstructions or fluid accumulation.
All radiographs of the heart and lungs should be made on what breathing instruction?
full inspiration
Full inspiration provides maximum lung expansion for clearer images.
For a routine oblique projection of the chest, how many degrees do you oblique the patient?
45 degrees
This angle helps visualize specific anatomical structures.
What indicates that a patient was in a true lateral position on a lateral chest radiograph?
posterior ribs are superimposed
This alignment confirms proper positioning.
In a LAO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?
right
The LAO position primarily visualizes the right lung.
What projection would best demonstrate free air in the left lung?
Right lateral decubitus chest
This projection allows air to rise and be visualized in the lung.
What is the degree of obliquity for an oblique projection of the chest focusing on the heart and great vessels?
55-60 degrees
For a PA projection of the chest, the top of the IR should be ____________ above the relaxed shoulders.
1 1/2- 2”
For a PA projection of the chest, where does the CR enter?
T7
The CR enters at the mid-sagittal plane (MSP) at the level of T7.
What is the recommended minimum SID for a lateral projection of the chest?
72” (183cm)
This distance helps reduce magnification of the heart and increase detail.
In an LPO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?
left lung
The LPO position primarily visualizes the left lung due to the angle of projection.
What is the name of the projection of the pulmonary apices where the patient leans back?
Lindblom (lordotic) method
This method is used to better visualize the apices of the lungs.
How many degrees is your patient obliqued for an oblique lordotic projection?
30 degrees
For a lateral projection of the abdomen, if the diaphragm is to be included, the central ray must enter on MCP and _____ inches above iliac crest.
2”
What do the letters K U B stand for?
kidneys, ureters, bladder
In an LPO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?
left
In an RPO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?
Right
When doing a decubitus projection of either the chest or abdomen and looking for free air, we want the affected side to be _____
Up
True or False: Sharply defined outlines of the psoas muscles, the lower border of the liver, and the kidneys are some of the criteria used for judging that a proper exposure was used for an AP abdominal radiograph.
True
For an AP projection of the abdomen (KUB), the CR is perpendicular to the IR at the level of _____ to include the bladder.
iliac crests
For a decubitus projection of the abdomen, the CR is directed perpendicular to the IR, and perpendicular to the _____
floor
What is the standard breathing technique for taking radiographs of the abdomen?
All radiographs of the abdomen should be made on expiration unless otherwise specified.
True or False: For a dorsal decubitus projection of the abdomen, there is a horizontal central ray and the patient is lying on their stomach.
False
True or False: You need to shield a 55-year-old patient if it doesn’t interfere with the exam.
True
On a lateral chest x-ray, what indicates that the projection is a true lateral?
If the posterior ribs are superimposed.
What does the Lordotic position of the chest demonstrate regarding the clavicles?
The clavicles lying superior to the apices of the lungs.
Fill in the blank: For a PA projection of the chest, the SID is _______.
72”
Fill in the blank: For a PA projection of the chest, the top of the IR is placed _______.
1.5-2” inches above relaxed shoulders
What is the CR entrance point for a PA projection of the chest?
At the level of T7
What breathing instructions are given for a PA projection of the chest?
Patient takes a deep breath and holds it in.
Why do we use expiration rather than inspiration as the breathing instructions for abdominal projections?
To move the diaphragm out of the way, so that all organs in the abdomen are not squished together.
Why do we perform a left lateral decubitus projection of the abdomen instead of a right lateral?
To ensure free air is not confused with air in the stomach and to use the liver as a contrast comparison.
