Digestive System Trivia

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering radiologic positioning, contrast media, centering landmarks, and procedures for the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel from Chapter 15.

Trendelenburg position

The special body position that best demonstrates a diaphragmatic herniation.

Right lateral UGI

The routine UGI position that demonstrates the anterior and posterior surfaces of the stomach.

Stomach AP and PA obliques centering level

The image receptor (IR) is centered to the level of vertebrae L1-L2

Locating the L1-L2 stomach centering area

Located by placing a hand above the iliac crest, 1-2 inches above the lower rib margin, or halfway between the xiphoid and lower rib margin.

Delayed small bowel central ray (CR) entrance

Enters the midsagittal plane (MSP) at the level of the iliac crests ($L4, L5$).

Stomach AP oblique patient obliquity

The patient is obliqued in the range of $30^\circ\text{--}60^\circ$, with an average of $45^\circ$.

Routine obliques for stomach and duodenum

RAO and LPO.

Hypersthenic body habitus (UGI obliquity)

The patient habitus type requiring the greatest degree of obliquity for a PA oblique of the stomach.

PA stomach centering point

Centered at $L1/L2$, halfway between the patient's left side and the midsagittal plane (MSP).

Glucagon (double contrast GI administration)

Administered before or during a double contrast GI examination to relax the GI tract and reduce its motility.

UGI and esophagus patient preparation

Food and fluids are withheld after midnight or for 8-9 hours prior to a morning exam.

UGI contrast types

Barium, gas crystals, and water-soluble iodinated contrast (used when perforation is suspected).

Recumbent position (esophagus imaging)

The recommended body position for esophageal imaging because it takes away gravity.

Advantages of recumbent esophageal imaging

Allows for better filling of the esophagus and makes varices easier to see.

Respiration phase for stomach and intestines

Recommended to take x-ray exposures on expiration.

Esophagus oblique rotation angle

$35^\circ\text{--}40^\circ$.

Valsalva maneuver (esophagus)

The patient swallows barium while holding their breath and bears down to demonstrate esophageal varices.

Small bowel procedure endpoint

Image acquisition stops when contrast reaches the ileocecal valve (terminal ileum).

RAO position (pyloric canal and duodenal bulb)

The position that produces the best image of the pyloric canal and duodenal bulb on an average patient.

Small bowel initial timed image

Typically taken 15 minutes after the patient drinks barium.

Small intestine barium administration routes

Orally, by barium enema (complete reflux), or through enteroclysis.

Lateral stomach central ray (CR) entrance

Enters at $L1/L2$, halfway between the mid-coronal plane (MCP) and the anterior abdominal border.

PA oblique stomach central ray (CR) entrance

Enters midway between the spine and the elevated lateral border of the abdomen at $L1/L2$.

RAO position (duodenal profile)

The position that shows the duodenal bulb and loop in profile.

Stomach PA oblique obliquity range

$40^\circ\text{--}70^\circ$.

Upright UGI centering adjustment

Centering must be adjusted approximately 3-6 inches lower due to gravity.

Vertebral centering level for PA stomach

L1-L2

Double contrast UGI advantages

Allows for visualization of small lesions and the mucosal lining.

Lateral esophagus table centering plane

The mid-coronal plane (MCP) is centered to the center of the table at $T5/T6$.

Complete esophagus exam routine projections

AP and right lateral, with an oblique performed on request.

Gastroview

A water-soluble contrast medium with a bitter taste used for the GI tract when there are questionable perforations.

Esophagus vertebral centering level

T5-T6

Recommended oblique projection for esophagus

RAO.

GI tract transit time to rectum

Takes approximately 24 hrs for barium to move through the GI tract and reach the rectum.

Small bowel procedure time markers

Required markers placed on small bowel radiographs to track the transit time of barium.

Fundus on PA projection

Contains air.

Fundus on RAO position

Contains air.

Fundus on LPO position

Contains barium.

Fundus on Right Lateral position

Contains air.

Fundus on AP projection

Contains barium (performed when the patient cannot lie on their stomach).