Positioning Flashcards
What does a PA chest X-ray demonstrate when performed erect?
Pleural effusion, pneumothorax, atelectasis, and signs of infection
What is the minimum SID for a PA chest X-ray?
72 inches (180 cm)
What is the standard IR size for a PA chest X-ray?
14 × 17 inches (35 × 43 cm)
What is the kVp range recommended for a PA chest X-ray?
110-125
What is the purpose of shielding during a PA chest X-ray?
To shield radiosensitive tissues outside the region of interest
In what position should the patient be for a PA chest X-ray?
Erect, feet spread slightly, weight equally distributed
How should the patient’s chin be positioned for a PA chest X-ray?
Chin raised, resting against the IR
What is the proper arm position for a patient during a PA chest X-ray?
Hands on lower hips, palms out, elbows partially flexed
What is the correct alignment of the midsagittal plane for a PA chest X-ray?
Aligned with CR and midline of IR with equal margins
At what level should the CR be centered for an average patient during a PA chest X-ray?
Level of T7 (7 to 8 inches below vertebra prominens)
What is the recommended collimation for a PA chest X-ray?
Collimate to the area of lung fields with top border at vertebra prominens
When should the exposure be made during a PA chest X-ray?
At the end of the second full inspiration
What anatomical structures should be included in a PA chest X-ray?
Both lungs, air-filled trachea, hilum region, heart, great vessels, bony thorax
What indicates proper chin positioning in a PA chest X-ray?
Chin sufficiently elevated to prevent superimposing apices
What is the significance of shoulder rotation in a PA chest X-ray?
Prevents superimposition of scapulae over lung fields
What does proper positioning ensure in a PA chest X-ray?
No rotation of thorax, with both sternoclavicular joints equidistant from the center line
What should be visible in terms of rib margins in a PA chest X-ray?
Distance from lateral rib margins to vertebral column should be the same on each side
What is the evaluation criterion for exposure in a PA chest X-ray?
No motion, sharp outlines, sufficient long scale contrast
True or False: A minimum of 10 posterior ribs should be visualized above the diaphragm in a PA chest X-ray.
True
Fill in the blank: The top border of the illuminated field in a PA chest X-ray should be at the level of _______.
vertebra prominens
