13 Questions
What is a sign of proper patient positioning for an AP or PA projection?
The medial ends of the clavicles are equidistant from the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae
What can scapular densities prevent in the periphery of the lung?
Detection of abnormalities
How is sufficient inspiration evaluated on a frontal projection of the chest?
By visualizing 10 posterior ribs above the diaphragm
What can occur if the patient does not provide adequate inspiration?
The radiologist may interpret an abnormality that is not actually present
What is not adequately visualized without adequate inspiration?
The heart shadow and borders
What is the primary responsibility of the radiographer before submitting the radiograph for review?
To evaluate the radiograph for technical adequacy
What information should be included on the radiograph?
The patient's name, date and time of the exam, and age
Why is correct marker placement important?
To prevent interference with interpretation by covering anatomy
What is the consequence of an underexposed radiograph?
It may simulate pulmonary opacities that are not actually present
What is the effect of an overexposed film on the radiograph?
It may burn out essential anatomy
What is the advantage of digital images?
They can be manipulated and enhanced after processing
How is adequate exposure evaluated on a chest radiograph?
By visualizing the thoracic vertebrae behind the heart
Why is it important to ensure the thoracic vertebrae are visible on the radiograph?
To ensure adequate exposure and prevent errors in interpretation
Study Notes
Evaluating a Chest Radiograph
- The radiographer should evaluate the radiograph before submitting it for review by the radiologist to ensure technical adequacy.
Demographic Information and Marker Placement
- Correct demographic information should include the patient's name, date and time of the exam, and age (or date of birth).
- The correct anatomical side marker (right or left) should be visible on the final radiograph, but care should be taken to avoid covering anatomy.
Exposure
- Adequate exposure is crucial to avoid false positive or negative results.
- Underexposure can simulate pulmonary opacities, while overexposure can burn out essential anatomy.
- Digital images can be manipulated and enhanced after processing.
- Adequate exposure is evaluated by visualizing the thoracic vertebrae behind the heart, which should be faintly visible.
Positioning
- The radiograph should not show signs of rotation.
- On a correctly positioned AP or PA projection, the medial ends of the clavicles should appear equidistant from the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae.
- On a well-positioned chest radiograph, the scapulae should not be seen in the lung field to avoid obscuring peripheral lung abnormalities.
Inspiration
- Sufficient inspiration is crucial to avoid misinterpretation of lung markings and heart shadow.
- Sufficient inspiration is evaluated by visualizing 10 posterior ribs above the diaphragm on a frontal projection of the chest.
- Inadequate inspiration can lead to crowded lung markings, misinterpreted as an abnormality.
This quiz assesses the technical evaluation of a chest radiograph, including correct demographic information, marker placement, exposure, and position. It's essential for radiographers to ensure these factors are accurate before submitting the radiograph for review.
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