Thoracics and Ribs

Question 1

Are filters used over the thickest or thinnest portion of the anatomy?

Answer 1

Thinnest

Question 2

What is the purpose of filtration?

Answer 2

Maintain consistent density on final image

Question 3

What views make up the full thoracic spine series?

Answer 3

AP thoracic and lateral thoracic (also PA and lateral chest depending on ages)

Question 4

At what age does a PA chest film become part of the series?

Answer 4

After 50 (with thoracics as main complaint)

Question 5

At what age do both PA and lateral chest films become part of the series?

Answer 5

After 60

Question 6

What film size is used for the AP thoracic?

Answer 6

14x17

Question 7

What collimation is used for the AP thoracic?

Answer 7

7x17

Question 8

What are the breathing instructions for the thoracic views?

Answer 8

Inspiration and hold

Question 9

What filtration is used for the AP thoracic?

Answer 9

Filter upper vertebrae down to the cross hairs of the CR

Question 10

What is the cassette placement for an AP thoracic?

Answer 10

Top of cassette (not bucky) goes 1.5 inches ABOVE VP

Question 11

Where does the ID blocker go for an AP thoracic?

Answer 11

DOWN

Question 12

What anatomy must be present for an AP thoracic film?

Answer 12

T1 to T12

Question 13

Where is the CR for a lateral thoracic film?

Answer 13

Vertical CR one inch posterior to humeral head (centered to T6 area overall)

Question 14

What is the filtration for a lateral thoracic?

Answer 14

Filter lower vertebrae (up to the crosshairs of the CR)

Question 15

What is the patient placement for a lateral thoracic?

Answer 15

Standing with arms in “prayer position”

Question 16

What is the “breathing technique”?

Answer 16

Patient breathes during exposure to blur out ribs (need minimum of 2 seconds exposure)

Question 17

What must be changed when using the breathing technique to blur out ribs?

Answer 17

Compensate by decreasing MA

Question 18

What anatomy must be shown on a lateral thoracic?

Answer 18

T1-T12

Question 19

What is the breathing technique for the swimmer’s view?

Answer 19

Expiration and hold **

Question 20

What is the routine ribs series?

Answer 20

AP or PA ribs, posterior oblique ribs, PA chest

Question 21

What is the purpose of the PA chest film in the rib series?

Answer 21

Rule out pneumothorax

Question 22

What are the variations of AP or PA rib films?

Answer 22

Unilateral or bilateral, above or below the diaphragm

Question 23

What film size is used for thoracics and ribs?

Answer 23

14x17

Question 24

What is the collimation for a lateral thoracic?

Answer 24

10x17

Question 25

Does the injured rib area go close to or away from the bucky?

Answer 25

Closest to

Question 26

What is the cassette placement for unilateral rib views above the diaphragm? Bilateral?

Answer 26

Unilateral = Top of film 1.5 inches above VP and vertical
Bilateral = Top of film just above shoulders and vertical

Question 27

What is the cassette placement for rib views below the diaphragm?

Answer 27

Bottom of cassette AT iliac crest

Question 28

What are the breathing instructions for rib views above the diaphragm? Below?

Answer 28

Above = inspiration and hold
Below = expiration and hold

Question 29

What is the difference in film placement for unilateral and bilateral ribs?

Answer 29

Unilateral = vertical, Bilateral = transverse

Question 30

What is the collimation for rib views?

Answer 30

14x17 (flipped transversely if needed for bilaterals)

Question 31

Which side is rotated 45 degrees away from the bucky for a posterior oblique rib film?

Answer 31

Unaffected side