Thorax and Abdomen Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real ARRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Thorax and Abdomen Procedures flashcards as text
Which projection best demonstrates the right lung in a patient who cannot stand, when evaluating for pleural effusion?
Answer: Right lateral decubitus
The right lateral decubitus position (right side down) causes free pleural fluid to layer along the dependent right thoracic wall, making it visible on the AP projection.
On a PA chest radiograph, the right hemidiaphragm is normally located at which vertebral level on full inspiration?
Answer: T10–T11
On a properly inspired PA chest, the right hemidiaphragm is normally seen at the level of the 10th–11th thoracic vertebra posteriorly.
A technologist is performing an AP axial projection (Lindblom) of the ribs below the diaphragm. What kVp range is most appropriate?
Answer: 80–85 kVp
Ribs below the diaphragm overlie abdominal structures, requiring approximately 80–85 kVp to adequately penetrate the additional tissue.
When performing a sternum lateral projection, which breathing technique is recommended to blur out overlying ribs and lung markings?
Answer: Shallow breathing during exposure
Shallow breathing (also called breathing technique) during the exposure blurs the ribs and pulmonary vasculature, improving visualization of the sternum.
For a PA chest projection, the central ray is directed to which landmark?
Answer: T7 (level of inferior angle of scapula)
The central ray is directed perpendicular to the IR at the level of T7, which corresponds to the inferior angle of the scapula on the posterior surface.
An AP abdomen radiograph taken in the left lateral decubitus position is primarily used to demonstrate which finding?
Answer: Free intraperitoneal air
The left lateral decubitus allows free air to rise to the right side adjacent to the liver, where it is easily detected against the dense hepatic shadow.
Which of the following is a sign of an inadequate inspiration on a PA chest radiograph?
Answer: Fewer than 10 posterior ribs visible above the diaphragm
A diagnostic PA chest requires at least 10 posterior ribs visible above the diaphragm; fewer indicates inadequate inspiration and a suboptimal study.