Positioning Basics

Question 1

The risk of cancer from radiologic exams accumulates over a _________

Answer 1

Lifetime

-each exposure from each exam contributes to the lifetime radiation exposure of the patient

Question 2

Bare minimum required to view all anatomy of interest

Answer 2

2 opposing views, preferably at 90 degrees to eachother

Series = minimum for complete exam

Question 3

The path of the x-ray beam (where it enters and though where it exits)

Answer 3

Projection

Question 4

The perspective of how the film sees the image (lateral, oblique, axial, tangenital, anterior, posterior); how we see the film

Answer 4

View

Question 5

View where there is more than a 10 degree tilt between the part and CR

Answer 5

Axial

Question 6

The CR is directed so it intersects an object at only one point on the surface/skimming a body part

Answer 6

Tangential

Question 7

Patient is recumbant, CR is horizontal, IR is vertical, in place of an upright view to show air-fluid levels

Answer 7

Decubitus

Question 8

Part, IR, and CR relationship

Answer 8

• CR is centered to the middle of the part and mid-film/IR
• Long axis of the part is parallel to the long axis of the IR
• The CR is directed perpendicular to the part (and IR)

A-P = cephalic tilt
P=A = caudal tilt

Question 9

Views that utilize 72” SID

Answer 9

• All Lateral Cervical Spine
• All Oblique Cervical Spine
• Lateral Chest
• PA Chest
• AP Full-spine

Question 10

Landmarks:

1) Mastoid Tip
2) Thyroid Cartilage
3) VP
4) Sternal Notch
5) Xiphoid Tip
6) Iliac Crest
7) ASIS
8) Greater Trochanter
9) Ischial Tuberositis

Answer 10

1) C1
2) C4
3) C7
4) T2
5) T10
6) L4/5
7) S2
8) PS/Coccyx tip
9) Bottom of pelvis

Question 11

What landmark is easiest to palpate for regardless of body shape/size?

Answer 11

Greater Trochanter

-used to find pubic symphysis and coccyx tip

Question 12

Calipers are used to measure body parts in what unit?

Answer 12

Centimeters

Question 13

Anatomical markers are always placed in reference to:

Answer 13

Patients anatomical right or left
-Right side touching bucky = right marker, etc.

-Wrong marker = must repeat!!

Question 14

Placed between x-ray beam and patient over thinnest portion of intended anatomy. Protects patient from some exposure and enables consistent radiographic density throughout the film part of interest

Answer 14

Flat Aluminum Filter

Question 15

T/F Boomerrang is a compensating device that helps to protect the patient

Answer 15

FALSE

-It is a compensating device that does NOT help protect the patient

Question 16

What is the 10 day rule for possibly pregnant patients?

Answer 16

The safest time to X-ray women of childbearing age is within the 10-day period after the onset of menses

Question 17

T/F The CR, center of the part, and center of the IR must all match up

Answer 17

True

Question 18

What information must an x-ray have on it to be legal?

Answer 18

• Unique identifiers for the patient
• Exam information
• Facility information

Question 19

T/F Radiographic images are owned by the facility where they were created and NOT by the patient

Answer 19

True

Question 20

Gonad shielding of not less than ______ will be used on patients who have not passed the reproductive age unless it would interfere with diagnostic procedures

Answer 20

0.25 mm (Iowa Law)