Patient Positioning Flashcards
What are four factors to be considered when taking radiographs?
- Welfare of patient
- Restraint and immobilization of patient
- Minimal trauma to the area of interest
- Least risk of exposure to those who are assisting with the procedure
Why should you start & release the rotating anode when working with anxious patients?
This can help accustom them the loud sound of the spinning & will help prevent retakes from patient movement
T/F: The caliper should be measured over the patient’s thickest part of the body while they are in position
True! Be sure it’s the thickest portion of the body being x-rayed!
How many views of each atomic area should there be?
Two! radiographs are a two-dimensional pic of a 3D structure
T/F: Exposing a large area around the body part increases scatter and decreases contrast
True!
What is the “Heel Effect”?
When an X-ray beam leaves the tube, it has an uneven photon distribution. As a result, the X-ray beam is more intense at the side of the cathode (-) than in the center of the beam or on the anode (+) side
T/F: Patients getting an abdominal study don’t need to be taken on a walk beforehand to have a BM
False! Allow your patient to have a BM before having an abdominal study.
T/F: Take your patient out potty before a bladder study
False! You want a full bladder for this study
Lateral Thorax Positioning
Measure:
Center:
Positioning:
Measure: Caudal border of the scapula over the T-L spine
Center: Causal border of the scapula (5th intercostal space)
Positioning: Lat recumbancy
Forelimbs cranially
Foam/towel between limbs
Elevate sternum w/wedge
Expose at full INspiration
Thorax VD
Measure:
Center:
Positioning:
Measure: Over the caudal border of the scapula
Center: Caudal margin of scapula (5th-6th ribs)
Positioning: Dorsal recum
V-trough if needed
spine & sternum superimpose
Expose at full INspiration
Pull nose cranially between forelegs
Forelimbs cranially (ropes, gaze, tape…)
Thorax DV
Measure:
Center:
Positioning:
Measure: Caudal border of scapula (or highest point)
Center: Caudal border of scapula (5th-6th rib)
Positioning: Ventral recum
Raise chin into neutral position w/sandbag or foam
Keep head between forelegs
Extend forelimbs cranially
Abdomen
Measure:
Center:
VD positioning:
Lateral positioning:
Measure: Caudual aspect of the 13th rib (or thickest point)
Center: Caudal aspect of 13th rib (L2-L3)
VD positioning: Dorsal recum
Forelegs & head pulled mildly cranially
Rear legs natural (frog legs)
Lateral positioning: Pull forelimbs cranially & hind caudally
Wedge under sternum
Expose at peak EXpiration
T/F: In pregnant animals, it should be avoided to take imaging during the first two trimesters (40 days)
True! It’s common to take images during the last week of pregnancy to gain a litter count and eval potential issues with birth
Elbow
Measure:
Position: lateral & craniocaudal
Measure: And center over the elbow at the distal humerus
Lateral position: Limb of interest on cassette
The elbow of interest extended to a 120degree angle
The opposite limb pulled causally
Craniocaudal position: Sternal
Both forelegs cranially
Pull head to opposite side
Forepaw
Measure:
Position:
Measure: And center at area of interest
Position: Extend foreleg
Tie metacarpus or digits w/gauze & pull cranially, securing to a sandbag
