Radiography: Thorax

Question 1

To reduce magnification of the heart when performing a posteroanterior projection/view of the chest, the source-to-image distance should be ____________ .

Answer 1

72 inches

Question 2

The bony thorax protects important organs of the respiratory system and vital structures within the ___________________.

Answer 2

mediastinum

Question 3

To properly evaluate adequate inspiratory effort on a posteroanterior chest radiograph, a minimum of how many posterior ribs should be visible above the level of the diaphragm?

Answer 3

10 ribs

Question 4

Using topographic landmarks to ensure proper positioning for a posteroanterior chest radiograph, in order to position the lung fields in the center of the image, centering should be between which thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 4

Between T7 and T8

Question 5

Which anatomical area is located just anterior to the esophagus, extending from a junction with the larynx at the level of C6 downward, to the level of T4 or T5, where it divides into right and left primary bronchi?

Answer 5

The trachea

Question 6

A pulmonary embolism begins as a result of which cardiovascular condition?

Answer 6

Deep vein thrombosis

Question 7

Which radiographic view should be used when imaging a patient with a possible pleural effusion?

Answer 7

The lateral decubitus view of the chest

Question 8

The major branches of the ____________ include the brachiocephalic, left common carotid, and the left subclavian arteries.

Answer 8

aortic arch

Question 9

Which of the following would NOT be a potential clinical finding if a chest radiograph showed excessive lung markings: interstitial or alveolar edema, fibrosis, compression of the lung tissue, or pneumothorax?

Answer 9

Pneumothorax

Question 10

In order to properly demonstrate fluid levels when a pleural effusion is suspected, chest radiograph projections/views are taken with the patient in a/an ________ position and the X-ray beam horizontal.

Answer 10

**upright **

Question 11

What is the kVp range for lateral and oblique sternum radiographic views?

Answer 11

Between 65 kVp and 75 kVp for oblique views and between 75 kVp and 85 kVp for lateral views

Question 12

In order to maximize the amount of air in the lungs, what breath-hold instructions should a patient be given when performing the standard upright posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph?

Answer 12

Take as deep of a breath as possible and hold it

Question 13

The inferior lateral corners of the lungs, visible on an upright posteroanterior chest radiograph, are called _________________.

Answer 13

**costophrenic angles **

Question 14

The right lung has ___________lobes and the left lung has __________ lobes.

Answer 14

The right lung has 3 lobes and the left lung has 2 lobes.

Question 15

What is the name of the anatomical structure that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?

Answer 15

**The diaphragm **

Question 16

________________ is when a patient presents with air or gas inside the chest cavity.

Answer 16

**Pneumothorax **

Question 17

________________ is a condition of permanent lung inflation due to loss of pulmonary alveolar elasticity, which can be diagnosed by conventional chest radiography.

Answer 17

**Emphysema **

Question 18

________________ is an acute infection of the lungs.

Answer 18

**Pneumonia **

Question 19

TRUE or FALSE: Sternoclavicular articulations are best demonstrated using right anterior oblique, left anterior oblique, and posteroanterior views, but NOT weight-bearing anteroposterior views.

Answer 19

True

Question 20

The right posterior axillary ribs are best demonstrated with which radiographic projection/view?

Answer 20

The right posterior oblique view

Question 21

The thoracic cavity is lined by the ________________ .

Answer 21

**parietal pleura **

Question 22

The best visualization of the pulmonary apices is achieved using the ________________ radiographic projection/view.

Answer 22

anteroposterior apical lordotic projection/view

Question 23

The ____________ is a C-shaped ridge of cartilage located at the bifurcation of the left and right bronchi.

Answer 23

**carina **

Question 24

When performing a standard upright posteroanterior projection/view of the chest, if performed properly, the clavicles are in what position?

Answer 24

The medial and lateral aspects of the clavicles should be positioned on the same horizontal plane