Test Chest And Abdomen Flashcards
What is the passage of food through the oral cavity
Through the oropharynx into the laryngeal pharynx then into the esophagus
What is the passage of air from the nasal cavity
Air passes through the nasopharynx into the oropharynx into the larynx then into the trachea
The soft tissue lateral neck X-ray exam evaluates what
The structures of the nasopharynx an neck
Carina
A specific prominence, or ridge, of the lowest tracheal cartilage. Located where the trachea divides into right and left bronchi.
Mediastinum
The medial portion of the thoracic cavity between the lungs
Costophrenic angle
Refers to the extreme outermost lower corner of each lung where the diaphragm meets the ribs
Apex of lungs
The rounded upper area of the lungs above the level of the clavicles
Jugular/suprasternal notch
Important landmark for determining CR for AP chest projections. Palpated as a deep notch or depression on the superior portion of the sternum below thyroid cartilage
Hilar area
Aka the root region, the central area of each lung where bronchi, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves enter and leave the lungs
Why Is CXR done upright
The diaphragm is allowed to move down further
Air fluid levels in chest may be visualized
Engorgement and hypermedia of pulmonary vessels may be prevented
PA chest positioning
Anatomy demonstrated: both lungs from apices to coati phrenic angles, air filled trachea from T1 down, hilum markings, heart, great vessels, and bony thorax
Position: chin elevated, clavicles rolled out if the way, breast moved to reduce breast shadows
Rotation: both sternoclavicular joints equidistant from center line of spine. Full expiration showing at least 10 ribs above diaphragm.
Exposure: no motion, sharp outlines of ribs, diaphragm, and heart boarders. Faint outline of thoracic vertebrae and posterior ribs.
Lateral position chest (standing or wheelchair )
Anatomy demonstrated: entire lung from apices to costophrenic angles and sternum to posterior ribs and thorax.
Position: chin and arms elevated so no soft tissue superimposes onto apices.
Exposure: no motion, sharp outlines if diaphragm and lung markings. Visualization of rib outlines and lung marking through the heart shadow and upper lung
AP projection chest (supine or semi erect)
Know the heart appears larger as an erect PA due to shorter SID and increased OID.
Plural effusion may obscure vascular lung markings compared to erect PA
Inspiration is usually not as full as erect PA so only 8 or 9 ribs may be visible
AP lordotic chest
Anatomy demonstrated: entire lung field and clavicles
Position: clavicles should appear nearly horizontal and above the apices. Ribs will appear distorted and nearly horizontal .
Exposure: no motion; diaphragm, heart, and rib outlines should appear sharp.
AP abdomen supine
Anatomy demonstrated: outline I liver, spleen, kidneys, and air filled stomach; bowel segments and arch of symphysis pubis
Position: no rotation iliac wings, obturator foramina, and is goal spines should appear symmetrical. Outer lower rib margins are equidistant from spine
Exposure: no motion, ribs and all gas bubble margins are clear and sharp sufficient mAs and long scale kvp visualize psoas muscle outline
Lateral decub abdomen
Anatomy demonstrated: air filled stomach and loops of bowel. Air fluid levels where present. Should include bilateral diaphragm
Position: no rotation; iliac wings appear symmetrical and out rib margins equidistant from spine. Spine should be straight and aligned to center if IR
Exposure: ribs and all gas bubbles sharp. Slightly less overall density than supine abdomen
AP erect abdomen
Anatomy demonstrated: air filled stomach and loops of bowel and air flui levels where present
Position: no rotation; iliac wings symmetrical outer rib margins equidistant from spine. Spine straight an center of IR
Exposure: no motion; ribs and gas bubbles sharp. Visualize spine and ribs and soft tissue but not over exposed
Dorsal decub (right and left lateral)
Anatomy demonstrated: diaphragm and as much if lower abdomen as possible. Air filled loops of bowel. Soft tissue visible in anterior abdomen and in prevertebral regions
Position: no rotation; superimposition of posterior ribs and posterior boarders of iliac wings and bilateral ASIS
Exposure: no motion; ribs and gas bubbles appear sharp. Lumbar vertebrae may appear 50% underexposed with soft tissue detail visible in anterior abdomen
Atelectasis
Collapsed lung due to obstruction of the bronchus or puncture of an air passage
Hemoptysis
Coughing up blood
Pleural effusion
Abnormal condition of fluid in the pleural cavity
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing caused by physical exertion, obstructive defects, or edema
Croup
Inflammation of the larynx an trachea
Hemothorax
Pleural effusion where the fluid is blood
