Final exam Flashcards
How does one view a lateral projection?
Lateral projections, which are marked by R or L by side of patient closest to the IR, are viewed from the same perspective as the x-ray tube or by the radiologist’s preference.
How does one view a PA or AP oblique projection?
The same way a true PA or AP is viewed: with the patient’s right to the viewer’s left.
How does one view a decubitus chest and/or abdomens?
The way the x-ray tube “sees” them.
How does one view upper and lower limbs?
As if you were looking from the x-ray tube. Images that include digits placed with digits up. Other images of limbs viewed in the anatomical position.
How are CT or MRI images viewed?
Axial images are generally viewed so the patient’s right side is to the viewer’s left.
What are exposure factors (technique)?
The three exposure variables that are set on the control panel of the x-ray machine by the radiographer each time an image is produced. (kV, mA, seconds)
ALARA
As low as reasonably achievable
What is the name of the measurement of radiation in the air?
Roentgen (R)
What is the name of the measurement of radiation used for patient dose purposes?
Rad
What is the measurement term used for worker protection purposes?
Rem
What is the SI unit corresponding to Roentgen?
Coulombs/kg of air
What is the SI unit corresponding to Rad?
Gray (Gy)
What is the SI unit corresponding to Rem?
Sievert (Sv)
What are precautions taken for pregnant technologists?
A second monitoring device is issued for fetal monitoring. The mother does not have to alter her work schedule.
What is the recommended maximum equivalent does to the fetus of a pregnant technologist?
0.05 rem (50 mrem, .5 mSv) per month and .5 rem (500 mrem, 5 mSv) for the gestational period.
Types of personnel monitoring:
film badge, TLD (thermoluminescent dosimeter), & OSL (optically stimulated luminescence).
Where are dosimeters worn?
At waist or chest level or on collar during fluoroscopy.
What are ALARA principles?
Always wear a personnel monitor, radiology personnel should not restrain patients, Use sound radiographic exposure factors, and follow the cardinal rules of radiation protection, which are Time, distance and shielding.
Fluoroscopy safety practices are:
Bucky slot cover, lead drape, .5 mm lead apron, exposure limit of 10 R/min.
Ways to protect the patient during exam:
Minimum repeat radiographs, give clear instructions, use proper positioning and exposure factors, including correct filtration and close four sided collimation, specific area shielding, protection for pregnancies.
Types of collimators
Manual and Positive-beam limitation (PBL)
Types of shielding:
Shadow shields and contact shields.
Properties of Gonadal contact shields:
1mm lead equivalent, reduces dose 50% to 90%.
Center for Devices of Radiologic Health guidelines for gonadal shielding:
- If the gonads lie within or close to the primary x-ray field (about 5 cm from) despite proper beam limitation.
- If the clinical objective of the exam is not compromised.
- If the patient has a reasonable reproductive potential.
NHTI student rules concerning radiation protection of the student.
Students should NEVER hold a patient during exposure.
NEVER take an x-ray unless ordered by a qualified health care practitioner.
Always wear dosimeter badges at the clinic site.
Lead aprons MUST be worn during fluoroscopy and mobile radiography!
OSL badges must be brought to NHTI and worn during labs when exposures are being made.
Divisions of chest anatomy
Bony thorax, Respiratory system, Mediastinum.
Bony Thorax protects:
and consists of:
Protects the thoracic viscera and consists of Sternum, clavicles, scapulae, 12 pairs of ribs and 12 thoracic vertebrae.
The two bony landmarks used for chest positioning are:
The vertebra prominens, located at C7, and the jugular notch, located at T2-T3.
The xiphoid tip corresponds with:
the anterior portion of the diaphragm at T9-T10, but is not a reliable landmark for positioning.
Function of the respiratory system:
Exchange of gaseous substances between the air and the blood.
Divisions of the respiratory system:
The pharynx (not part of the respiratory system proper), the larynx, the trachea, the bronchi and the lungs.
The diaphragm is:
the muscular partition separating thoracic cavity from abdominal cavity.
Each half of the diaphragm is called:
hemidiaphragm.
Respiratory movement of the diaphragm is about —- between inspiration and expiration.
1 and a half inches.
The effect of deep inspiration on the diaphragm is:
the diaphragm lowers to its lowest level.
Basic properties of the pharynx:
It is the “throat.” It is about 5 inches long. Posterior to the nasal and oral cavities. Superior to larynx. Anterior to cervical vertebrae.
Three divisions of the pharynx:
Nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx.
The Nasopharynx:
Superior portion of the pharynx, lies posterior to nasal cavity and extends to plane of soft palate.
The Oropharynx:
Intermediate portion on the pharynx, likes posterior to oral cavity and extends from uvula to hyoid. Has both respiratory and digestive functions.
The Laryngopharynx:
Inferior portion of pharynx, begins at level of hyoid bone, connects esophagus with larynx, both a respiratory and digestive pathway.
Esophagus:
Part of digestive system, connects pharynx to stomach, posterior to larynx and trachea.
Respiratory system proper comprised of:
Larynx, Trachea, right and left bronchi, and the lungs. Pharynx serves as a passage for air and food, and therefore not part of the respiratory system proper.
First division of the respiratory system proper is:
the larynx.
The larynx’s location is:
Midline of neck, anterior to C3-C6 and suspended from the hyoid bone.
Thyroid cartilage:
2 fused plates of cartilage that forms anterior wall of larynx.
Prominent anterior projection of thyroid cartilage is:
Laryngeal prominence. A.k.a.: the adam’s apple. Located at C5.
Epiglottis:
Large leaf-shaped piece of cartilage in the larynx. “Stem” is attached to anterior rim of thyroid cartilage. “Leaf” portion is unattached and flips down to cover trachea during act of swallowing.
Cricoid cartilage:
Ring of cartilage that forms the inferior and posterior wall of larynx. Attaches to first ring of cartilage of trachea.
Basic info of the trachea
A.k.a. the “windpipe.” Tubular passageway for air. 5 inches long, anterior to esophagus, shifted slightly to R of midline due to arch of aorta.
Location of trachea:
Extends from larynx, C6 to T4-T5 where it divides into the R&L primary bronchi.
What is the trachea made up of?
20 C-shaped rings of cartilage that are embedded into it’s walls, which prevent the trachea from collapsing during inspiration.
Thyroid gland location:
Just inferior to larynx. R&L lobes of thyroid gland lie on either side of trachea.
Why is it important for radiographers to know the location of the thyroid gland?
Because it is very radiosensitive.
Describe the parathyroid glands:
4 raisin-sized glands embedded in the posterior surface of the thyroid gland– 2 in each lobe of they thyroid. They are endocrine glands that secrete hormones that aid in specific blood functions.
Location of the Thymus gland:
just distal to the thyroid gland.
AP projection of the upper airway demonstrates:
the air filled trachea and larynx, possible enlargement or abnormalities of thyroid, and possible Airway system pathology.
Lateral projection of the upper airway demonstrates:
Air filled trachea and larynx, region of the esophagus, general location of both thyroid gland and thymus gland.
Where does the trachea divide into the left and right main bronchi?
T4-T5.
Describe the differences between the right and left bronchi:
The right is wider and shorter and more vertical.
Describe the carina:
Specific prominence or ridge of the last tracheal cartilage. Site of where the trachea divides into the R&L bronchi.
Why is the location of the carina significant to radiological techs?
It is used in portable chest radiography to aid in endotracheal tube placement.
How to the R&L main bronchi divide further?
The right bronchus divides into three secondary bronchi and the left divides into a secondary bronchi. Each secondary bronchi enters individual lobes of the lung.
How many lobes are in each lung?
Three lobes in the right lung, two lobes in the left.
What do secondary bronchi divide further into?
bronchioles.
What is at the end of each terminal bronchiole?
alveoli
How many alveoli do the two lungs contain?
Between 500-700 million alveoli
What is the main function of alveoli?
Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged by diffusion within the walls of the alveoli.
Where are the lungs located?
On each side of the thoracic cavity.
Where do the lungs extend to and from?
From the diaphragm to just slightly superior to the clavicles.
Anatomical location of lungs:
Lie against ribs anteriorly and posteriorly. The rounded apex reaches above the clavicles. The broad inferior portion of each lung is the base. The base is concave and fits over convex area of diaphragm.
How many lobes is the right lung made up of?
Three. Superior, middle, and inferior lobes.
What are the names of the fissures of the right lung?
Horizontal and oblique.
How many lobes is the left lung made up of?
Two. Superior and inferior.
What is the name of the left lung’s fissure?
Oblique.
The left lung has no horizontal fissure and no middle lobe. The portion of the left lobe that corresponds imposition to the right middle lobe is called the:
lingula.
Lungs are composed of light, spongy, highly elastic substance called the:
parenchyma.
What allows for breathing mechanism responsible for expansion and contraction of lungs which brings oxygen into and removes carbon dioxide from blood through alveoli?
Parenchyma.