Positioning Ch. 2 Chest

Question 1

Parts of the bony thorax

Answer 1

Clavicle
Scapula
Sternum: Manubrium
                Body
                Xiphoid Process
Ribs
Thoracic Vertebrae

Question 2

Topographic Positioning Landmarks of the chest

Answer 2

Vertebra Prominens located C7 vertebra add 7-8 inches for T7 CR placement
Jugular Notch located anterior add 3-4 inches to position T7 for CR placement

Question 3

Four organs of the mediastinum

Answer 3

Thymus Gland
Heart & Great Vessels
Trachea
Esophagus

Question 4

4 types of body habitus and impact on chest positioning

Answer 4

hypersthenic- broad shoulders and deep front to back. Be careful not to cut off costophrenic angles. Place IR crosswise.
sthenic- average build. use lengthwise IR
hyposthenic- tall and narrow build. Be careful not to cut off costophrenic angles
Asthenic- super skinny, super short. Be careful not to cut off upper apices due to positioning of lungs well above the clavicles, and lower costophrenic angles.

Question 5

Methods to ensure proper degree of inspiration during chest radiography

Answer 5

Ability to identify and count the rib pairs. Locate the first and second pair (most difficult). Minimum of 10 rib pairs for a good PA chest will determine a good degree of inspiration showing how far down the diaphragm has moved. Count the posterior part of the rib where it connects to the thoracic vertebra.
The patient is instructed to take a deep breathe and release. The second deep breathe is held which allows for a greater /deeper inspiration.