Thoracics and Ribs Flashcards
Are filters used over the thickest or thinnest portion of the anatomy?
Thinnest
What is the purpose of filtration?
Maintain consistent density on final image
What views make up the full thoracic spine series?
AP thoracic and lateral thoracic (also PA and lateral chest depending on ages)
At what age does a PA chest film become part of the series?
After 50 (with thoracics as main complaint)
At what age do both PA and lateral chest films become part of the series?
After 60
What film size is used for the AP thoracic?
14x17
What collimation is used for the AP thoracic?
7x17
What are the breathing instructions for the thoracic views?
Inspiration and hold
What filtration is used for the AP thoracic?
Filter upper vertebrae down to the cross hairs of the CR
What is the cassette placement for an AP thoracic?
Top of cassette (not bucky) goes 1.5 inches ABOVE VP
Where does the ID blocker go for an AP thoracic?
DOWN
What anatomy must be present for an AP thoracic film?
T1 to T12
Where is the CR for a lateral thoracic film?
Vertical CR one inch posterior to humeral head (centered to T6 area overall)
What is the filtration for a lateral thoracic?
Filter lower vertebrae (up to the crosshairs of the CR)
What is the patient placement for a lateral thoracic?
Standing with arms in “prayer position”
What is the “breathing technique”?
Patient breathes during exposure to blur out ribs (need minimum of 2 seconds exposure)
What must be changed when using the breathing technique to blur out ribs?
Compensate by decreasing MA
What anatomy must be shown on a lateral thoracic?
T1-T12
What is the breathing technique for the swimmer’s view?
Expiration and hold **
What is the routine ribs series?
AP or PA ribs, posterior oblique ribs, PA chest
What is the purpose of the PA chest film in the rib series?
Rule out pneumothorax
What are the variations of AP or PA rib films?
Unilateral or bilateral, above or below the diaphragm
What film size is used for thoracics and ribs?
14x17
What is the collimation for a lateral thoracic?
10x17
Does the injured rib area go close to or away from the bucky?
Closest to
What is the cassette placement for unilateral rib views above the diaphragm? Bilateral?
Unilateral = Top of film 1.5 inches above VP and vertical Bilateral = Top of film just above shoulders and vertical
What is the cassette placement for rib views below the diaphragm?
Bottom of cassette AT iliac crest
What are the breathing instructions for rib views above the diaphragm? Below?
Above = inspiration and hold Below = expiration and hold
What is the difference in film placement for unilateral and bilateral ribs?
Unilateral = vertical, Bilateral = transverse
What is the collimation for rib views?
14x17 (flipped transversely if needed for bilaterals)
Which side is rotated 45 degrees away from the bucky for a posterior oblique rib film?
Unaffected side
