Patient Positioning & Procedures Flashcards

Which projection of the chest is considered the standard for routine chest radiography?

Answer: PA erect

The PA erect projection is standard for chest radiography because it minimizes heart magnification and allows full lung expansion.

When positioning a patient for a lateral projection of the lumbar spine, which anatomical landmark is centered to the image receptor?

Answer: L3 vertebra (iliac crest level)

For a lateral lumbar spine, the central ray is directed to L3, which corresponds approximately to the level of the iliac crest.

What degree of obliquity is used for an AP oblique projection of the lumbar spine (RPO/LPO) to visualize the zygapophyseal joints?

Answer: 45 degrees

A 45-degree oblique angle is used for AP oblique lumbar spine projections to place the zygapophyseal joints perpendicular to the beam.

For an AP projection of the knee, the central ray is directed to which landmark?

Answer: 0.5 inch (1 cm) below the patellar apex

The central ray for an AP knee is directed to the knee joint, approximately 0.5 inch below the patellar apex.

Which position requires the patient to lie on their side with the x-ray beam directed horizontally?

Answer: Lateral decubitus

The lateral decubitus position has the patient lying on their side with a horizontal beam, useful for detecting air-fluid levels.

For a PA projection of the hand, which surface of the hand is placed against the image receptor?

Answer: Palmar (anterior) surface

In a PA hand projection, the palmar surface is placed against the IR, placing the dorsum of the hand closest to the x-ray tube.