X-Ray Basics and Technology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the diaphragm in an X-ray machine?

To support the X-ray unit during imaging

To collimate the X-ray beam to the size of the part being examined (correct)

To filter out weak X-ray waves

To generate X-rays through high voltage current

What material is commonly used for the X-ray filter?

Silver

Lead

Aluminum (correct)

Copper

Which component of the X-ray machine transforms the usual current into high voltage current?

Diaphragm

X-Ray tube

Generator (correct)

Image receptor

What appearance do structures with high molecular weight, like bones, have on an X-ray film?

White or light gray Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the primary X-ray beam coming out of the tube?

Primary beam (1ry beam) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the X-ray machine is responsible for transforming high voltage current into X-rays?

X-Ray tube Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when some X-ray photons are scattered to the surrounding?

Secondary radiation Signup and view all the answers

How do X-ray photons appear when they pass through air, such as in the lungs?

Black Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical Focal Film Distance (FFD) used for chest X-rays?

150-180 cm Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the magnification of an examined part if the object film distance is increased?

It increases. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT an exposure parameter in X-ray examination?

Central Ray (CR) Signup and view all the answers

Where is the central ray (CR) supposed to be directed during an X-ray examination?

In the center of the examined part Signup and view all the answers

What type of system uses a special phosphorous plate that transfers the image directly to a computer after exposure?

Direct radiography (DR) Signup and view all the answers

What should patients do during a chest X-ray to ensure proper image capture?

Stop breathing after deep inspiration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sizes is a common film size used for X-ray imaging in inches?

12 x 15 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of an image receptor in X-ray examination?

To receive X-ray photons and produce an image Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the X-ray table?

To allow X-rays to pass through for examination. Signup and view all the answers

When should a grid be used during X-ray examinations?

On thick body parts with more scatter radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken when performing X-rays on pregnant females?

Lead aprons should be used to protect the abdomen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a lead partition during X-ray exposure?

To protect radiological staff from exposure. Signup and view all the answers

What type of stand is often used for X-ray examination while standing?

Bucky stand. Signup and view all the answers

Which rule should be followed for married females in terms of X-ray exposure?

Strict adherence to the 10 or 28 days rule. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common measure radiological staff should stick to during operations?

Use film badges and adhere to the ALARA principle. Signup and view all the answers

What does the grid prevent during X-ray examinations?

Scatter radiation from reaching the film or image receptor. Signup and view all the answers

What does the midclavicular line pass through?

The middle of the clavicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct term for the anterior surface of the hand?

Palmer surface Signup and view all the answers

In which positioning term should the part of interest be parallel to the film?

Basic Position Signup and view all the answers

Which line is described as passing one inch below the xiphoid process?

Epigastric line Signup and view all the answers

What type of view allows for the x-ray to pass from posterior to anterior?

Postero Anterior View Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the surface referred to as the sole of the foot?

Planter surface Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'special views' during an X-ray examination?

Additional views providing more diagnostic information Signup and view all the answers

What position is referred to when the palm of the hand is facing up?

Supination Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'PA lateral decubitus' refer to in X-ray positioning?

The X-ray beam passes from posterior to anterior. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body?

Abduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct identification card information to be placed on an X-ray film?

The film mark indicating right or left side. Signup and view all the answers

What type of angulation is used when the X-ray beam is directed towards the head?

Cephalic angulation Signup and view all the answers

In the context of joint movement, what does 'flexion' refer to?

Bending a joint reducing the angle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly defines 'distal' in anatomical terms?

Further away from the point of reference Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of gonadal protection during X-ray procedures?

To shield the gonads from X-ray exposure Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tangential' mean in the context of X-ray positioning?

When the X-ray beam passes tangential to the part. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

X-Ray

X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
Discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen.
Roentgen received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

X-Ray Machine

Converts regular electricity into high voltage current.
Contains an X-ray tube, which converts high voltage current into X-rays.
X-rays pass through a diaphragm that controls the size of the beam.
X-ray filters remove weak X-ray waves.

X-Ray Image Formation

X-rays pass through the body and are attenuated by different tissues.
Dense tissues like bone absorb more X-rays, appearing white on the image.
Air, like in the lungs, absorbs less X-rays, appearing black on the image.
Soft tissues like muscles appear various shades of gray depending on density.

X-Ray Table

Used to position patients during examinations.
Can be stationary or movable.

Grid

A metal plate used to filter X-rays and prevent scatter radiation.
Prevents secondary X-rays from reaching the film.
Generally used for thicker body parts with more scatter radiation.
Not used for thin parts like hands and feet.

Bucky Stand

A metal stand for upright examinations, often used for chest X-rays.
Contains a built-in grid.

Pregnant Females

Review indications for X-ray examination with the referring doctor.
Protect the abdomen with a lead apron.
10-day rule: married females should only be exposed during the first 10 days of their menstrual cycle.

Radiologic Staff Safety

Avoid direct exposure to X-rays.
Stand behind lead partitions during exposure.
Use film badges to monitor radiation exposure.
Use ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.
X-ray rooms should be isolated by lead sheets or special materials.

Radiographic Examination Procedures

Patient position: On the table or standing beside the Bucky stand.
Examination techniques:
- Exposure factors: include kilovoltage (kVp), Milliampere Seconds (mAs),
- Focal Film Distance (FFD): Distance between X-ray tube and film (usually 100 cm, 150-180 cm for chest).
- Object Film Distance (OFD): Distance between part examined and film (increase in OFD leads to magnification).
- Central Ray (CR): Center of X-ray beam, positioned in the center of the part being examined.
Image Receptor:
- Film screen Cassette: X-ray film placed in a cassette and processed with chemicals.
- Digital Image: X-rays fall on a phosphorous plate, read by a machine and transferred to a computer.

Film Sizes

14 x 17, 14 x 14, 12 x 15, 10 x 12, 8 x 10 (inches)
30 x 40, 24 x 30, 18 x 24 (centimeters)

Respiration for Radiographic Exams

Patients stop breathing during exposure to minimize image blurring.
Deep inspiration for chest X-rays, deep expiration for abdomen, and no breath holding for extremities.

Anatomical Terminology

Midclavicular line: Passes through the center of the clavicle.
Midaxillary line: Passes through the center of the axilla.
Anterior/posterior axillary line: Passes through the anterior/posterior axillary folds.
Epigastric line: One inch below the xiphoid process of the sternum.

Hand Terminology

Palmer surface: Front or anterior surface of the hand.
Dorsal surface: Back or posterior surface of the hand.
Pronation: Palm facing down.
Supination: Palm facing up.

Foot Terminology

Planter surface: Sole of the foot.
Dorsal surface: Top surface of the foot.

Radiographic Positioning

Basic positions: Basic views required for a specific area, ideally two perpendicular views.
Additional, optional, or special views: Additional views to clarify diagnosis or answer specific questions.
Part being examined should be close to the film.
Part should be positioned parallel to the film.

Common Positioning Terms

Posteroanterior (PA): X-rays pass from back to front.
Anteroposterior (AP): X-rays pass from front to back.
Lateral Decubitus: Patient lying on their side.
Axial: Along the long axis of the part.
Tangential: X-rays pass tangentially to the part.

Relation Terms

Proximal: Close to the body.
Distal: Far from the body.
Medial: Towards the midline of the body.
Lateral: Away from the midline of the body.

Cephalic/Caudal Angle

Cephalic angulation: X-ray beam angled towards the head.
Caudal angulation: X-ray beam angled towards the feet.

Film Identification

Mark right (R) or left (L) side of the patient.
Include patient name, date of study, hospital number, and part examined.

Movement Terms

Flexion: Bending a joint.
Extension: Straightening a joint.
Abduction: Moving a limb away from the body.
Adduction: Moving a limb towards the body.

Gonadal Protection

Protect the gonads (testes and ovaries) from X-ray exposure using a lead shield.
Important to protect reproductive organs.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of X-rays, from their discovery by Wilhelm Roentgen to the technology behind X-ray machines. Learn how X-ray images are formed and the role of different components like filters, grids, and tables in the imaging process.