chest positiong

Question 1

PA

Answer 1

The routine examination of the chest includes the PA and left lateral projections. When a patient is unable to stand for the PA projection, the AP projection can be substituted in a chair or AP supine.

Question 2

PA
IR : Positioned by manufacturer or department protocol for proper anatomy display orientation; CR plate: 14 × 17 inches (35 × 43cm) lengthwise.

Grid : yes

Answer 2

SID 72 inches (183cm) if possible

Body position Standing, facing IR holder.

Part position
Anterior surface of chest is against upright Bucky with coronal plane parallel to IR. Backs of hands are placed on hips, and shoulders are rotated anteriorly . The purpose of arm position is to rotate scapulae out of the way so that they will not be superimposed on lungs.
As an alternative, patients who are unsteady may wrap their arms around the Bucky to prevent movement and decrease the potential for a fall. IR is aligned so that upper margin is 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5cm) above level of spinous process of C7.

Question 3

note: Crosswise IR placement may be needed for patients with hypersthenic body habitus.

Answer 3

AP Patient supine with arms at side . IR is aligned so that upper margin is 1.5 to 2 inches (3.6 to 5cm) above level of shoulders.

Question 4

Central ray

PA - Perpendicular to center of IR. Center point should be at the level of T7, which corresponds to the level of the inferior angle of the scapulae.

AP - Perpendicular to the center of IR. Center point should be on the midsagittal plane at a level 3 inches below the jugular notch.

Answer 4

Collimation - Adjust light field to 14 × 17 inches (35 × 43cm) on the collimator. Place side marker in the collimated light field.
Patient instruction
Do not move. Stop breathing on second deep inspiration.

Structures seen
Heart, lungs, and mediastinum. No rotation of the sternoclavicular joints on the PA projection

Question 5

Lateral projection Lateral

Both arms are raised overhead, with the patient grasping opposite elbows.

As an alternative, patients who are unsteady can grasp an overhead bar, if incorporated into the upright Bucky, or an intravenous pole to prevent movement and decrease the potential for a fall.
Left side of body is in contact with upright Bucky, and midcoronal plane of thorax is perpendicular to center of IR.
IR placement is unchanged from PA projection.