Portables Flashcards
What is the most effective way to reduce radiation (ALARA)?
distance
at least six feet
When are you NOT able to give breathing instructions to a patient?
if they are intubated
How do you know when to expose for an intubated patient?
watch their chest for inspiration/expiration
Most common portable x-ray
Chest x-ray
Why might an exam be done portably?
doctor’s choice
isolation status
patient condition (bedridden or too ill or intubated)
Preferred position for CXR portable, why?
erect, air fluid levels
hardest aspect of a PCXR
proper angulation
how do you know your CR angle?
match the angle of the sternum
if your using a grid, how should your technique be adjusted
increase kvp
In what cases would you increase your technique
larger patient
using a grid
What body part thickness should you use a grid?
10 cm
4 inches
If a patient has a femoral line, you cannot sit them up more than ____ degrees
30
If a patient is receiving tube feeding through an NG tube, why do you not lay them supine?
aspiration risk
What is typical chest XR portable technique? Without a grid
85 kvp at 3-5 mas
What is average chest XR portable technique with a grid?
110-120 kvp at 2 mas
straight and horizontal clavicles indicate what on a portable CXR?
angled tube too cephalic
V shaped and low clavicles indicate what on a portable CXR?
angled tube too caudal
How long should a patient lie on their side for a decub image?
5 minutes
If looking for air, the affected side is ______ (up/down)
up
If looking for fluid, the affected side is _____ (up/down)
down
why should you utilize a sponge in a lateral decub exam?
put under the side down so you can fully visualize that side of the chest/abdomen
If you need to change your technique, what factor do you increase/decrease?
mas
List the two primary types of mobile xray units.
battery powered, motor/battery driven
standard power, non-motor driven
Which type of mobile unit is lighter in weight?
standard power
Explain the concept of ALARA
avoiding unnecessary exposure that has no benefit to imaging
What is the most effective radiation protection rule in reducing occupational exposure
distance
T/F you can use AEC on a portable machine
false
T/F a battery operated portable machine must be plugged in to make an exposure
False
the cord that connects the remote to the machine must be how long?
6 feet
A patient with very low white blood cell count is considered to be in what type of
isolation/transmission-based precautions?
Neutropenic
Describe the 3 principles for portable/trauma radiography:
Two projections 90 degrees from each other
Entire body part/structure is on IR
Safety precautions of the patient, healthcare workers, and public
What is the best position to perform an AP portable chest in and why?
erect to see air fluid levels
List and describe three clinical indications why you would do an AP chest
hemothorax - blood in pleural space
pneumothorax - air in pleural space
pleural effusion - excessive fluid (non blood) in pleural space
Technical factors for AP portable chest
110-120 kvp @ 2 mas (with grid)
80-90 kvp @ 2-5 mas (no grid)
patient position for AP portable chest
erect as possible
chin raised
shoulders rolled forward if possible
CR transverse centering for AP portable chest
T7 or 3-4 inches below jugular notch
When evaluating an AP portable chest how can the clavicles help determine the correctness of
the tube angle?
Too cephalic of an angle: clavicles will be too high and horizontal
Too caudal of an angle: clavicles will be too low and dipping into a “V”
What is an Endotracheal (ET) tube?
Breathing Tube
What x-ray do we perform to confirm ET tube placement?
AP Chest
Where is correct placement of an ET tube?
Approximately 5cm above carina
Why do we perform lateral decubitus chest projections?
To evaluate air fluid levels when a patient cannot stand
Describe how you would set and perform a portable lateral decubitus chest projection:
Patient is on side for 5 minutes
Arms up and out of the way
Side of interest – which side needs to be down depending on looking for air or fluid
Which position or projection best demonstrates free intra-abdominal air for the patient who can
not stand or sit erect?
Left Lateral Decubitus
Why do we routinely perform Left Lateral Decubitus abdomens?
To evaluate for abnormal densities in the liver or looking for free air or fluid in the abdomen
Where do you center for a LLD abdomen?
2 inches above iliac crest and MSP
To ensure the joints are open on an AP portable foot, how is the CR aligned?
perpendicular to the IR with a slight cephalic angle (5-10 degrees)
If a patient cannot be positioned properly for an AP thumb, can you do a PA? If so, what is the disadvantage of performing a PA rather than AP projection?
yes
magnification
Define NG and describe NG tube purpose:
NG = nasogastric tube
Feeds or suction of stomach contents
What portable x-ray would be performed to determine NG tube placement?
Upper abdomen/chest
