X-Ray Certification Patient Care and Positioning 4

Question 1

Which surface landmark is used to locate the level of the iliac crest for AP lumbar spine positioning?

Accepted Answer

L4-L5

Answer

The iliac crest is a reliable surface landmark corresponding to the L4-L5 intervertebral disc level.

Question 2

For a patient in shock, the Trendelenburg position is sometimes used. This position involves:

Accepted Answer

Head lowered, feet elevated at 15-30 degrees

Answer

Trendelenburg position tilts the table so the head is lower and feet are higher, helping blood return to vital organs in shock.

Question 3

To demonstrate an air-fluid level in the abdomen, which position and projection should be used?

Accepted Answer

Left lateral decubitus abdomen

Answer

The left lateral decubitus (patient on left side, horizontal beam) demonstrates air-fluid levels and free air under the right hemidiaphragm.

Question 4

When collimating the X-ray beam, the primary reason is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce scatter radiation and limit dose to the patient

Answer

Collimation restricts the beam to the area of interest, reducing patient radiation dose and scatter that degrades image quality.

Question 5

A patient is positioned for a lateral hip radiograph. The unaffected leg should be:

Accepted Answer

Flexed up and out of the field of view (frog-leg position)

Answer

In the lateral (Lauenstein) hip projection, the unaffected leg is flexed and moved out of the image area to avoid superimposition.

X-Ray Certification Practice Test