Sternum Positioning Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the two views for the sternum?

PA oblique (RAO), Lateral (correct)

PA, Lateral

AP, Lateral

Lateral, Anterior

Patient preparation includes: Remove artifacts from the area of interest (____), Shield for reproductive age or if pregnant, and explain examination, breathing instructions are important.

necklaces, piercing, life alerts, snaps, zippers

Patients with rib injury for a sternum X-ray should be examined in the position in which they arrive in the department.

True

How should ambulatory patients be imaged for sternum?

Upright or recumbent; use radiographic table tilt to move patient from upright to supine if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

How should non-ambulatory/trauma patients be imaged for sternum?

Alter positioning to maximize patient comfort, usually supine. Signup and view all the answers

What position is Sternum PA Oblique (RAO)?

Sternum PA Oblique (RAO) Signup and view all the answers

What degree should the patient be rotated for a sternum PA oblique (RAO)?

15-20 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the FOV for a sternum PA Oblique (RAO)?

10x12 lengthwise Signup and view all the answers

What is the SID for a sternum PA Oblique (RAO)?

30 inches recommended but not always possible (40 in.) Signup and view all the answers

How is the CR positioned for a sternum PA Oblique (RAO)?

Perpendicular to IR, entering the elevated side (left) of the posterior thorax 1 in. lateral to MSP at the level of T7. Signup and view all the answers

These are the evaluation criteria for a Sternum PA Oblique (RAO): Proper collimation and presence of marker, Entire sternum from jugular notch to tip of ______, Sternum projected over heart but free of superimposition of the thoracic spine.

xiphoid process Signup and view all the answers

How should the patient be positioned for a lateral sternum?

Upright; seated or standing, recumbent (trauma), usually left side. Signup and view all the answers

How should the patient's arms be for a sternum lateral?

Rotate shoulders posterior and lock arms behind back. Signup and view all the answers

What is the field of view for a sternum lateral?

10 x 12 lengthwise Signup and view all the answers

What is the SID for a sternum lateral?

72 inches Signup and view all the answers

How is the CR positioned for a sternum lateral?

Perpendicular to the center of the IR, entering lateral border of midsternum. Signup and view all the answers

What is the respiration for a sternum lateral?

Deep inspiration Signup and view all the answers

List the evaluation criteria for a Sternum: lateral: Proper collimation and marker, Entire sternum with ______ free of superimposition of the soft tissue of the shoulders.

manubrium Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sternum Imaging Overview

Two views for sternum imaging: PA oblique (RAO) and Lateral.

Patient Preparation

Remove artifacts from the area of interest, such as jewelry and zippers.
Shielding is necessary for patients of reproductive age or if pregnant.
Explain the examination process and emphasize breathing instructions.

Patients with Rib Injuries

Examine injured patients in the position they arrive at the department to ensure comfort.

Imaging Positions

Ambulatory patients should be imaged in either upright or recumbent position, using a tilt to transition from upright to supine if needed.
Non-ambulatory or trauma patients should be comfortably positioned, usually in supine position.

PA Oblique (RAO) Positioning

Patient should be rotated 15-20 degrees to place the sternum within the heart shadow.
Field of view (FOV) for PA oblique is 10x12 inches lengthwise.
Recommended source-to-image distance (SID) is 30 inches, but 40 inches may sometimes be used to blur posterior ribs.
Central ray (CR) is perpendicular to the image receptor (IR) and enters the elevated side of the posterior thorax at T7, 1 inch lateral to the mid-sagittal plane (MSP).

Evaluation Criteria for PA Oblique (RAO)

Proper collimation and visible marker.
Entire sternum should be visible from jugular notch to xiphoid process.
Sternum must be projected over the heart without superimposition of the thoracic spine.
Breathing technique should show blurred pulmonary markings.
Minimal rotation of both sternum and thorax, as indicated by the absence of superimposition of the vertebral column on the sternum.

Lateral Sternum Positioning

Patient should be in an upright position, seated or standing; recumbent position for trauma cases, usually on the left side.
Arms should be rotated posteriorly and locked behind the back to prevent obstruction of the view.

Lateral Imaging Specifications

FOV for lateral projection is 10x12 inches lengthwise.
SID for lateral sternum is 72 inches to compensate for increased object-to-image distance (OID).
CR is perpendicular to the center of the IR, entering the lateral border of the midsternum, with 1 inch of light above the jugular notch.
Deep inspiration is recommended to enhance the contrast between the sternum and surrounding structures.

Evaluation Criteria for Lateral Sternum

Proper collimation and marker presence.
Entire sternum visible with the manubrium free of shoulder soft tissue superimposition.
Sternum should not be obscured by rib superimposition.
The lower portion of the sternum should be unobstructed by the breasts in female patients.

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Description

This quiz covers essential aspects of sternum positioning and patient preparation for imaging. Learn about the two views needed for sternum X-rays and important instructions to follow before the examination. It's designed for medical students and professionals in radiology.