rad 101 quick review

Radiographer

Administers ionizing radiation.

ASRT Practice Standards

Includes clinical performance standards, quality performance standards, and professional performance standards.

ARRT Ethics

Contains a code of ethics with 10 statements as a behavioral guide and 22 rules of ethics.

Involuntary Motion

Use shorter exposure time to minimize effects during imaging.

Voluntary Motion

Can be controlled by explaining the procedure, making the patient comfortable, and using support devices.

4 Types of IRs

Include PSP plate used in CR, cassette with film (rarely used), solid state digital detector (now used in DR), and fluoroscopic image receptor.

Technique Charts

Should specify projections performed in the room and exposure factors for each projection.

Primary Factors for Technique Establishment

Includes mAs, kVp, AEC, SID, relative patient thickness, grid, CR/DR exposure indicators, and electrical supply characteristics.

Gonad Shielding

Required when gonads are within 5 cm of the primary x-ray field and anatomy is not obstructed.

IR Positions

Includes lengthwise, crosswise, and diagonal; most commonly used is lengthwise.

CR Centering

CR is always centered to the IR unless displacement is being used.

SID Effects

Affects magnification, spatial resolution, and patient dose. Longer SID reduces magnification.

Collimation

Minimizes patient exposure and reduces scatter radiation.

Shuttering

Serves aesthetics only and does not cover up over radiation exposure.

R and L Markers

Mandatory and should not obscure anatomy; must be placed in the exposure field outside of lead shielding.

Radiograph Evaluation

Radiographers must assess image acceptability, radiation safety practices, proper collimation, patient identification, and absence of artifacts.

Anatomical Positioning of Radiographs

Radiographs are viewed in anatomical position, except for hands, wrists, feet, and toes.

Required Image Features

Include marker, date, patient's name, and institution identity.

Obesity Classification

BMI 30-39.9 is obese; above 40 is morbidly obese.

Locating the Pubic Symphysis

Can be found using the jugular notch: