Chest Radiography Review (Test 2)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key chest radiography concepts, positioning landmarks, projection choices, and common pathologies from the notes.

Right hemidiaphragm

The right dome of the diaphragm, usually higher than the left due to the liver.

Costophrenic angle

The sharp angle at the lung bases formed where the diaphragms meet the rib cage.

Diaphragm movement during inspiration

Moves downward (inferiorly) to allow lung expansion.

Source-to-Image Distance (SID)

Distance from X-ray tube to the image receptor; lateral chest typically 72 inches.

PA projection (chest)

Posteroanterior chest radiograph; minimizes heart magnification compared with AP.

Double-breathing

Having the patient take two breaths to maximize inspiratory effort.

12 ribs visualized above the diaphragm

On a PA chest with deep inspiration, 12 posterior rib pairs should be seen above the diaphragms.

Basic chest projections — PA and Left Lateral

The standard views used for chest radiography.

Shoulders rotated forward in PA chest

Rotation forward to move the scapulae out of the lung fields.

Most inferior position of the diaphragm

Descends to its lowest position during erect inspiratory effort.

Lordotic position

Standing erect with a backward lean; shoulders rest on IR to visualize the apices.

Arms for erect lateral chest

Placed over the patient’s head to prevent arm obstruction.

Symmetrical acromioclavicular joints

A rotation check for PA chest where AC joints should appear symmetrical.

Lateral chest rotation indicators

No rotation is suggested by superimposed posterior ribs and diaphragms being on the same plane.

Right lateral decubitus

Patient lies on the right side to evaluate pleural effusion on the right.

Apices (apical lung)

The uppermost portions of the lungs; best demonstrated in lordotic views.

Vertebral prominens

Prominent C7 spinous process used as positioning landmark for chest radiographs.

CR level for AP/PA chest (T7)

Central ray directed at approximately the level of the 7th thoracic vertebra.

Cephalad CR for limited lordotic view

If the patient cannot lean back, angle the CR 15–20 degrees cephalad.

Chest radiograph artifacts

Unwanted marks from jewelry, snaps, necklaces, or EKG leads that obscure anatomy.

CR position relative to jugular notch (AP chest)

Directed 3–4 inches inferior to the jugular notch.

Mediastinum

The central thoracic compartment containing the heart, great vessels, trachea, and esophagus.

Right main bronchus (aspiration)

The right stem bronchus is shorter, wider, and more vertical, making it more likely for aspirated material to enter.

PA chest positioning: MSP and MCP

MSP perpendicular to the IR; MCP parallel to the IR.

Atelectasis

Collapse of all or part of a lung.

Emphysema

Destructive and obstructive airway changes causing hyperinflation.

Tuberculosis

Chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Pleural effusion

Fluid accumulation in the pleural space.