Positioning QUIZ

Question 1

The DVM has ordered a left lateral thoracic radiograph, the LVT will position the pet with the:

a. Abdomen on the table and the patient’s left side labeled
b. Spine on the table and the patient’s left side labeled
c. Left chest wall in the air
d. Left chest wall on the table

Answer 1

Left chest wall on the table

Question 2

Which of the following should be considered when taking a radiograph?

a. Restraint and immobilization of patient
b. All choices are correct
c. Welfare of patient/minimal trauma to area of interest
d. Least risk of x-ray exposure to personnel

Answer 2

All choices

Question 3

Concerning positioning animals for radiography, which of the following statements is true?

a. After the beam is centered, the beam should be opened to maximize as much patient as possible viewed on cassette
b. No matter the status of the patient, the ventrodorsal thoracic view is always better than the dorsoventral
c. The primary beam should be centered on the area of interest when a specific area is known

Answer 3

The primary beam should be centered on the area of interest when a specific area is known

Question 4

When imaging the thorax, the exposure should be taken during:
a. Max inspiration
b. Max expiration
c. It doesn’t matter

Answer 4

Max inspiration

Question 5

When positioning for a mediolateral view of the right stifle, the veterinary technician should:

a. Left limb should be abducted and pulled caudally
b. All choices are correct
c. Place right limb on cassette in a natural limb position (about 120 degrees at stifle)
d. Measure and center over the stifle

Answer 5

All choices

Question 6

When taking an abdominal radiograph the patient should be measured ________ to the __________and the beam centered ________ to the _________.

Answer 6

Caudal to the 13th rib
Caudal to the 13th rib

Question 7

T/F: An important patient preparation technique to remember prior to performing an abdominal radiograph on a dog (urinary bladder image not needed) is to walk the dog to encourage the emptying of the colon.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

T/F: The cathode side of the x-ray beam will be designated with a “+” on the x-ray machine.

Answer 8

False. It is unlikely machines will be labelled like this

Question 9

T/F: When imaging a limb, the x-ray beam should be centered over the known fracture site.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Describe the positioning of the animal for a lateral thorax view (with or without hand restraint).

Answer 10

• The patient should lay laterally with the area of interest down on the cassette.
• Use a foam wedge (or similar) to keep the sternum level and help superimpose the ribs.
• Forelegs held cranially with foam supporting the forelegs.
• Expose on inspiration!

Question 11

Name three positioning devices utilized in patient positioning during radiography and describe how each might be used.

Answer 11

1. Sandbags; can be used to weigh down the patient
2. V-trough; can be used for VD radiograph views
3. Foam wedge; can be used to level patient’s limbs (head, legs, prevent rolling/rotating, etc)