Image Evaluation Criteria Flashcards
How much of the lungs should be shown on a Chest xray?
Entire lungs from the apices to the costophrenic angles
Is there any rotation on any CXR? If there is, which ones?
Only PA/AP Oblique projections
Where should the CR enter on a PA chest?
Should enter at the level of T7 (inferior angle of the scapula)
Are air-fluid levels seen on a AP or PA Chest?
Yes
Where should you adjust the height of the IR on a PA Chest?
the upper border is about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5cm) above the relaxed shoulders
Where should you center the midsagittal plane of the pt body to the IR?
MSP is centered midline of the IR
On a PA Chest, the head should be adjusted so that the MSP is _______
vertical
When positioning a pt in a PA Chest, what should be avoided in the image, and part of the purpose in doing this position.
Engorgement of the pulmonary vessels
What should the pt do with their arms in a PA
Chest?
Elbows should be flexed, the back of the hands should be low on the hips below the costophrenic angles
What should the pt do with their shoulders in a PA Chest?
Depress the shoulders and adjust to lie in the same transverse plane. Rotate the shoulders forward so that they both touch the vertical grid device.
In a PA Chest, why do we move the arms in a specific position? What does this do and show in our images?
These movements will position the clavicles below the apices of the lungs
In a PA Chest, why do we move the shoulders forward?
This movement will rotate the scapulae outward and laterally to reduce superimposition of the scapulae with the lungs
In a PA Chest, what would happen if we take an image of a female pt with large breasts? What can we do to correct the image and make it look better?
A female pt with large breasts can superimpose the lower part of the lung field, especially the costophrenic angles.
We should ask the pt to pull the breasts upward and laterally that way be can see the anatomy better but also show if there is any presence of fluid.
In a PA Chest, should there be a full inspiration or expiration? Why is this important?
Exposure is made after the second full inspiration to ensure the maximum expansion of the lungs (shows all of the lungs). Sometimes certain conditions are made present at the end of the full inspiration/expiration.
In a PA Chest, what happens with the lungs when there is maximum expansion?
The lungs expand transversely, anteroposteriorly, and vertically, with the vertical being the greatest dimension.
What should be clearly seen on a PA Chest?
Entire lungs, no rotation, sternal ends of the clavicles equidistant from the vertebral column, trachea visible in the midline, equal distance from the vertebral column to the lateral border of the ribs on each side, proper anterior shoulder rotation - scapula projected outside the lung fields, proper inspiration demonstrated by 10 posterior ribs visible above diaphragm, sharp outlines of heart and diaphragm, faint shadows of ribs and thoracic vertebrae through heart shadow, and pulmonary markings from hilar regions
For a PA & Lateral Chest, what ways can you have the pt positioned?
They can be upright standing (recommended) or upright seated
This could be taken laying down but does not show air-fluid levels and the diaphragm at its lowest position that well
In a Lateral Chest, adjust the position of the pt so that the MSP of the body is ________ with the IR and the adjacent shoulder is touching the grid device.
Parallel
The MCP should be ___________ and ________ to the midline of the grid.
MCP should be perpendicular and centered
What should the pt do with their arms in a Lateral Chest?
The pt should extend their arms directly upward, flex the elbows and with the forearms resting on the head and have them hold that position for the image
In a Lateral Chest, where should you adjust the height of the IR?
Adjust the height of the IR so that the upper border is about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5cm) above the shoulders
The MSP must be _______ for the lateral chest projection.
Vertical
In a lateral chest, having the pt lean against the the grid device results in ________ of all thoracic structures.
distortion (foreshortening)
In the lateral chest projection, besides the pt leaning against the grid, what else could the pt do that can result in distortion of structural outlines?
Forward bending
How many breaths should the pt do for a lateral and PA chest projection?
2 breaths, 1 exhalation and 2 inspirations
In the lateral chest projection, is the pt perpendicular or parallel to the center if the IR? How about the CR and the pt?
Perpendicular to the IR, parallel to the CR.
For a Lateral Chest, where should the CR enter?
MCP at the level of T7 or at the inferior aspect of the scapula
For the PA chest, is the pt perpendicular or parallel to the IR? How about the CR and the pt?
Parallel to the IR, perpendicular to the CR
What should be clearly seen on a lateral chest?
Entire lungs, no rotation, arm or soft tissues not overlapping the lung field or any parts of the arms and shoulders blocking the lungs in any way, hila in the approximate center of the radiograph, superimposition of the ribs posterior to the vertebral column, sternum in profile, trachea visible in the midline. long axis of the lung fields shown in vertical position w/o bending, opened thoracic intervertebral joint spaces, sharp outlines of heart/diaphragm, and pulmonary markings
For the AP chest projection, how can the pt be positioned?
If the pt is too ill to sit or stand they can be supine on the table. Upright sitting for pt that have to be in a wheelchair, and pt on a stretcher can be sitting up against the upright IR. Typically they would be upright at the bucky against the grid
For a AP chest, center the _____ of the chest to the IR
MSP
For the AP chest projection, adjust the IR so that the upper border is approximately…..
1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5cm) above the relaxed shoulders
(if they can) what should the pt do with their arms in the AP chest projection?
flex the elbows, pronate the hands and place the hands on the hips to draw the scapulae laterally.
The shoulders (in AP chest) should lie in the same ________ plane
transverse
For the AP chest, is the pt perpendicular or parallel to the IR ? How about the pt and the CR?
Parallel to the IR, CR is perpendicular to the long axis of the sternum
Where should the CR enter in the AP chest projection?
Should enter about 3 inches (7.6cm) below the jugular notch
What should be clearly seen on a AP chest projection?
Entire lungs, no rotation, sternal ends of the clavicles equidistant from the vertebral column, trachea is visible, equal distance from the vertebral column to the lateral border of the ribs, clavicles appear more horizontal than in the PA chest projection, 1 inch between the apices and clavicles, and pulmonary markings
What method is the AP Axial Chest? What is the name of this position? Although this projection is of the chest, what is this specific projection normally imaging for?
Lindblom Method
Lordotic position
This projection is typically for the pulmonary apices
What positions can the pt be in for a AP Axial Chest projection?
Standing upright
What makes the AP Axial different from the AP chest when it comes to pt positioning?
The pt is standing upright, facing the tube and standing approximately 1 foot in front of the vertical grid, leaning back onto the bucky.
For the AP Axial chest, where should the IR be adjusted to?
Adjust the height of the IR so that the upper margin is about 3 inches above the upper border of the shoulders when the pt is adjusted in the lordotic position
For the AP Axial chest projection, you should adjust the pt with the coronal plane of the thorax ___ to ___ degrees from the vertical and MSP centered to the midline of the grid
15 to 20 degrees
For the AP Axial chest projection, is the pt perpendicular or parallel to the IR? How about the pt and the CR?
The pt is parallel to the IR. The pt is perpendicular to the CR
For the AP Axial chest projection, where should the CR enter at?
At the level of the midsternum (3 to 4 inches below the jugular notch)
What should be clearly seen on a AP Axial chest projection?
Pulmonary markings, entire apices and appropriate portion of the lungs, clavicles superior to the apices, sternal ends equidistant from the vertebral column, clavicles lying horizontally with sternal ends overlapping the first/second ribs, and ribs distorted w/ their anterior and posterior portions superimposed
Why do we do a decubitus chest x-ray?
Air-fluid levels are demonstrated the best
How do you know if it is a left or right lateral decubitus?
Whatever side the pt is laying on that is closer to the IR determines whether it is a left or right decubitus
EX: Pt is lying on their left side (which is closer to the IR) so it is a Left Lateral Decubitus
On the Lateral Decubitus, where can you normally see air and fluid?
Air: is demonstrated on the side up
Fluid: is demonstrated on the side down
What should you include for a pediatric chest?
Collimated fields should include mastoid tips to just above the iliac crests
What position is most preferred with pediatric chest x-rays?
Upright
What common restraints are used for a pediatric chest x-ray?
pigg-o-stat
For a Lateral Decubitus, how long should we let the pt lay on their side before taking an exposure? Why do we wait?
We should let the pt lay there for 5 minutes. We have them wait to allow the fluid to settle and air to rise.
(lateral decubitus) if the pt is laying on the affected side to demonstrate fluid, we should elevate the body __ to __ inches on a suitable platform or a firm pad
2 to 3 inches
For a Lateral Decubitus, what should the pt do with their arms?
Extend the arms well above the head, and adjust the thorax in a true lateral position.
(for a lateral decubitus) adjust the IR so that it extends approximately ___ to ___ inches beyond the shoulders
1.5 to 2 inches
(for a lateral decubitus) what is the relation of the IR to the pt? How about the pt and the CR?
The pt is parallel to the IR. The pt and the CR are perpendicular and horizontal
For a lateral decubitus, where should the CR enter the pt?
At a level 3 inches below the jugular notch for the AP and T7 for the PA
What should be clearly seen on a lateral decubitus?
Presence of a side marker and decubitus marker placed clear of anatomy of interest, affected side in its entirety, from apex to costophrenic angles, no rotation, sternal ends of the clavicle equidistant from the spine, pt arms not visible in the field of interest, faintly visible spine and pulmonary markings from the hilar region
What positions can you have the pt in for a lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection?
Prone or supine (true prone or supine)
When taking a x-ray of a lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection, how many inches should you elevate the pt?
2 to 3 inches
In a lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection, are you able to see air-fluid levels?
Yes
For a lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection, what should the pt do with their arms?
The pt should extend their arms well above the head, out of the lung field
For a lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection, where should the grid device be? How should it be adjusted?
The grid device should be against the affected side and should be adjusted so that the top of the IR extends to the level of the thyroid cartilage
(lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection) What is the relation of the pt and the IR? How about the pt and the CR?
The pt is perpendicular to the IR. The pt is horizontal and parallel to the CR
For the lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection, where should the CR enter at?
CR should enter at the level of the MCP and 3 to 4 inches below the jugular notch for the dorsal decubitus and at T7 for the ventral decubitus
What should be clearly seen on a lateral ventral or dorsal decubitus projection?
Presence of side and decubitus markers placed clear of anatomy of interest, entire lung field, including posterior and anterior surfaces, upper lung field not obscured by arms, no rotation of the thorax from a true lateral position, T7 in the center of IR, and pulmonary markings
What is the mediastinum?
is the area of the thorax bounded by the sternum anteriorly, the spine posteriorly, and the lungs laterally.
What structures make up the mediastinum?
Heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, lymphatics, nerves, fibrous tissue, and fat
The abdominopelvic cavity consists of what two parts?
(1) a large superior portion, the abdominal cavity and (2) a smaller inferior part, the pelvic cavity
Where does the abdominal cavity extend to/from?
extends from the diaphragm to the superior aspect of the bony pelvis
What does the abdominal cavity contain?
the stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.
The pelvic cavity lies within what margins?
margins of the bony pelvis and contains the rectum and sigmoid of the large intestines, the urinary bladder, and the reproductive organs
The abdominopelvic cavity is enclosed in a double-walled submembranous sac called the…
peritoneum
The outer portion of the seromembranous sac is termed the _______ ________, is in close contact with the abdominal wall, the greater (false) pelvic wall, and most of the undersurface of the diaphragm
Parietal peritoneum
The inner portion of the seromembranous sac, known as the ________ ___________, is positioned over or around the contained organs.
visceral peritoneum
What is the term that contains serous fluid?
peritoneal cavity
In a abdominal radiographic image you should be able to visualize what anatomy?
Outlines of the psoas muscles, lower border of the liver, kidneys, ribs and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae (and body) along with the diaphragm, T-spine, sacrum/coccyx, stomach, small/large intestines, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, ureters, bladder, urethra, ASIS, iliac crest, adrenal glands, pubic symphysis, and greater trochanters