Positioning 1: Abdomen

Question 1

Abdominopelvic cavity extends from…

Answer 1

Diaphragm to bony pelvis

Question 2

Abdominopelvic cavity consists of two parts

Answer 2

Abdominal cavity, the larger superior cavity

Pelvic cavity

Question 3

Abdominal cavity contains…

Answer 3

• stomach
• small intestines
• large intestines
• liver
• gallbladder
• spleen
• pancreas
• kidneys

Question 4

Pelvic cavity contains…

Answer 4

• rectum
• sigmoid
• urinary bladder
• reproductive organs

Question 5

What is the peritoneum?

Answer 5

Double walled membranous sac that encloses the cavity
• inner layer- visceral peritoneum
• outer layer- parietal peritoneum

Retroperitoneum- space behind peritoneum
- kidneys and pancreas lie in this space

Question 6

Which of the following is located in the abdominal cavity?

A. Rectum
B. Urinary bladder
C. Ovaries
D. Spleen

Answer 6

D. Spleen

Question 7

Exposure technique for abdomen

Answer 7

Medium kV

80kV

Question 8

Exposure technique for abdomen

Answer 8

• noncontrast examinations require maximum soft tissue differentiation
• moderate grey scale desired
• kVp range that is too high will overpenetrate some structures ~80 kVp

• tissue structures used to determine effective technique

• lower liver border
• psoas muscles
• kidneys
• ribs
• transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae

Question 9

SID for abdomen

Answer 9

40 inches (102 cm)

Question 10

Essential projections for abdomen

Answer 10

• AP, supine and upright positions
* PA, upright position
• AP, left lateral decubitus position

Question 11

Three way abdomen or acute abdominal series

Answer 11

Demonstrates abdominal contents, presence of free air (pneumoperitoneum), and air-fluid levels

Generally consists of
• AP, supine
• AP, upright
• PA chest

Question 12

Two-way abdomen series

Answer 12

Usually requires
• AP, supine
• AP, upright

For both procedures, a left lateral decubitus is performed in lieu of the upright if patient cannot stand

Question 13

To include the diaphragm on upright positions, AP projections of the abdomen, the central ray is centered to:

A. A level 2 inches(5cm) above the iliac crests
B. T7
C. L4
D. Iliac crests

Answer 13

A. A level 2 inches(5cm) above the iliac crests

Question 14

Which of the following might be used to demonstrate a pneumoperitoneum?

A. Upright, AP projection
B. Left lateral decubitus
C. Dorsal decubitus
D. All of the above

Answer 14

D. All of the above

Question 15

Pathology seen on acute ABD series

Answer 15

• bowel obstruction- mechanical blockage
• ileus- failure of peristalsis
* ascites- abdominal fluid in peritoneal cavity

Question 16

What is Ascites?

Answer 16

Fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity

Question 17

What is ileus?

Answer 17

Failure of bowel peristalsis

Question 18

What is pneumoperitoneum?

Answer 18

Presence of air in peritoneal cavity