Chest and Abdomen

Question 1

How long should a patient lie on their side before taking a decubitus projection of the chest or abdomen?

Answer 1

At least 5 minutes

This allows for proper fluid levels to stabilize.

Question 2

In a lateral projection of the heart and lungs, which plane is centered to the IR?

Answer 2

midcoronal

The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.

Question 3

A left lateral decubitus or an AP upright projection of the abdomen is done to show:

Answer 3

air-fluid levels

This is important for assessing potential obstructions or fluid accumulation.

Question 4

All digraphs of the heart and lungs should be made on what breathing instruction?

Answer 4

full inspiration

Full inspiration provides maximum lung expansion for clearer images.

Question 5

For a routine oblique projection of the chest, how many degrees do you oblique the patient?

Answer 5

45 degrees

This angle helps visualize specific anatomical structures.

Question 6

What indicates that a patient was in a true lateral position on a lateral chest radiograph?

Answer 6

posterior ribs are superimposed

This alignment confirms proper positioning.

Question 7

In a LAO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?

Answer 7

right

The LAO position primarily visualizes the right lung.

Question 8

What projection would best demonstrate free air in the left lung?

Answer 8

Right lateral decubitus chest

This projection allows air to rise and be visualized in the lung.

Question 9

What is the degree of obliquity for an oblique projection of the chest focusing on the heart and great vessels?

Answer 9

55-60 degrees

Question 10

For a PA projection of the chest, the top of the IR should be ____________ above the relaxed shoulders.

Answer 10

1 1/2- 2”

Question 11

For a PA projection of the chest, where does the CR enter?

Answer 11

T7

The CR enters at the mid-sagittal plane (MSP) at the level of T7.

Question 12

What is the recommended minimum SID for a lateral projection of the chest?

Answer 12

72” (183cm)

This distance helps reduce magnification of the heart and increase detail.

Question 13

In an LPO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?

Answer 13

left lung

The LPO position primarily visualizes the left lung due to the angle of projection.

Question 14

What is the name of the projection of the pulmonary apices where the patient leans back?

Answer 14

Lindblom (lordotic) method

This method is used to better visualize the apices of the lungs.

Question 15

How many degrees is your patient obliqued for an oblique lordotic projection?

Answer 15

30 degrees

Question 16

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.

Answer 16

2”

Question 17

What do the letters K U B stand for?

Answer 17

kidneys, ureters, bladder

Question 18

In an LPO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?

Answer 18

left

Question 19

In an RPO projection of the chest, which lung is mainly of interest?

Answer 19

Right

Question 20

When doing a decubitus projection of either the chest or abdomen and looking for free air, we want the affected side to be _____

Answer 20

Up

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

For an AP projection of the abdomen (KUB), the CR is perpendicular to the IR at the level of _____ to include the bladder.

Answer 22

iliac crests

Question 23

For a decubitus projection of the abdomen, the CR is directed perpendicular to the IR, and perpendicular to the _____

Answer 23

floor

Question 24

What is the standard breathing technique for taking radiographs of the abdomen?

Answer 24

All radiographs of the abdomen should be made on expiration unless otherwise specified.

Question 25

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.

Answer 25

False

Question 26

True or False: You need to shield a 55-year-old patient if it doesn’t interfere with the exam.

Answer 26

True

Question 27

On a lateral chest x-ray, what indicates that the projection is a true lateral?

Answer 27

If the posterior ribs are superimposed.

Question 28

What does the Lordotic position of the chest demonstrate regarding the clavicles?

Answer 28

The clavicles lying superior to the apices of the lungs.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: For a PA projection of the chest, the SID is _______.

Answer 29

72”

Question 30

Fill in the blank: For a PA projection of the chest, the top of the IR is placed _______.

Answer 30

1.5-2” inches above relaxed shoulders

Question 31

What is the CR entrance point for a PA projection of the chest?

Answer 31

At the level of T7

Question 32

What breathing instructions are given for a PA projection of the chest?

Answer 32

Patient takes a deep breath and holds it in.

Question 33

Why do we use expiration rather than inspiration as the breathing instructions for abdominal projections?

Answer 33

To move the diaphragm out of the way, so that all organs in the abdomen are not squished together.

Question 34

Why do we perform a left lateral decubitus projection of the abdomen instead of a right lateral?

Answer 34

To ensure free air is not confused with air in the stomach and to use the liver as a contrast comparison.