Standard Chest Views

Question 1

PA Chest-Purpose

Answer 1

To see a frontal projection of the viscera with the thoracic cavity.

(Lung apices through the costophrenic angles must be included)

Question 2

PA Chest-Patient Measurement

Answer 2

A-P, mid-sternum with the calipers placed over the shoulder upon full patient inspiration

Question 3

PA Chest-Source to image distance

Answer 3

72”

Question 4

PA Chest-Tube Tilt

Answer 4

None

Question 5

PA Chest-Image Receptor Size

Answer 5

14” x 17” in portrait for most patients

Question 6

PA Chest-Patient Positioning

Answer 6

-Patient stands with his or her anterior thorax touching the grid and spine/sternum midline
-Chin is elevated with cervical spine in full extension
-Hands are placed on hips with shoulders elevated and rotated forward as much as possible

Question 7

PA Chest-Central Ray Position

Answer 7

Central ray located at T7. Top of the image receptor is approximately 1.5” above spinous process

Question 8

P-A Chest Collimation

Answer 8

14 x 17” or 17 x 14”

Question 9

PA Chest-Filter

Answer 9

None

Question 10

PA Chest-Marker Placement

Answer 10

In one of the upper corners within the collimation field

Question 11

PA Chest-Breathing Instructions

Answer 11

Double suspended inspiration and suspended motion (Take a deep breath in, let it all out, take another deep breath all the way in and hold completely still)

Question 12

Lateral Chest-Patient Measurement

Answer 12

Laterally, under the arms, at the level of the axillae, upon full patient inspiration

Question 13

PA Chest-Source to Image Distance

Answer 13

72”

Question 14

Lateral Chest-Tube Tilt

Answer 14

None

Question 15

Lateral Chest-Image Receptor Size

Answer 15

14 x 17” in portrait

Question 16

Lateral Chest-Patient Positioning

Answer 16

Patient stands with his or her left side touching the grid. Patients arms are flexed to 180 degrees with the forearms resting on the head

Question 17

Lateral Chest: Central Ray Position

Answer 17

Approximately at T7 with vertical portion of the central ray crossing the mid-axilla

Question 18

Lateral Chest: Collimation

Answer 18

14 x 17”

Question 19

Lateral Chest: Marker Placement

Answer 19

A left marker is always placed within the collimation field

Question 20

Lateral Chest: Breathing Instructions

Answer 20

Double suspended inspiration and suspended motion (“Take a deep breath in, let it all out, take another deep breath all the way in, and hold completely still)