Sternum positioning quiz

For a patient who arrived in a recumbent position, what projection are you going to use to demonstrate a sternum?

LPO

How much should the body be rotated for the PA oblique projection of the sternum?

15-20 degrees

The central ray enters at the level of _____ for the PA oblique projection of the sternum

T7

What are the two ways the patients breathing should be controlled for the exposure for the PA oblique projection of the sternum?

• breathe shallowly

• Suspend respiration after expiration

If a short exposure time is preferred, what breathing instructions should be given to the patient for the PA oblique projection of the sternum?

Suspend respiration after expiration

Respiration for the lateral projection of the sternum

Suspend deep inspiration

What is the central ray angle for a PA oblique projection of the sternum when your patient is in an RAO position?

Perpendicular

Recommended SID for the PA oblique projection of the sternum

30 inches

Why do we have a 30 inch SID?

To blur the posterior ribs

What is the recommended SID for the lateral?

72 inches

Why is the SID 72 inches for the lateral?

To reduce magnification and distortion of the sternum

Where should the patients hand be positioned for the upright lateral sternum?

Behind the back and locked

Central ray angle for a lateral sternum?

Perpendicular

Where does the central ray enter for the lateral?

Midsternum

For the recumbent lateral projection of the sternum, where are the arms?

Above the head

What projection and position of the sternum demonstrates the sternum free of superimposition of the ribs?

Lateral (right or left)