Chest x RAY

Flashcards covering positioning, technique, and evaluation criteria for PA, AP, and Lateral Chest Radiographs.

What is the first step before positioning a patient for a PA chest radiograph?

Clean the bucky, especially the top part.

What must be removed from the patient before a chest X-ray?

All foreign bodies from the chest.

How should the patient be positioned for a PA chest radiograph?

Standing, facing the upright bucky, feet apart.

Where should the IR be positioned relative to the patient’s shoulders in a PA chest radiograph?

3–5 cm (1.5–2 inches) above the shoulders.

What vertebral level is used for centering in a PA chest radiograph?

T7 (seventh thoracic vertebra).

Why is the chin extended during a PA chest X-ray?

To prevent superimposition over the lung apices.

What position should the arms be in during a PA chest X-ray?

Elbows flexed, back of hands low on hips to roll shoulders forward.

Why are the shoulders rolled forward in a PA chest X-ray?

To move the scapulae off the lung fields.

What are the breathing instructions for a PA chest radiograph?

Suspend breathing after the second inspiration.

What indicates proper patient rotation in a PA chest X-ray?

SC joints equidistant from the spinous processes.

How many posterior ribs should be visible for adequate inspiration in a PA chest X-ray?

10 posterior ribs above the diaphragm.

What indicates proper positioning of the scapulae in a PA chest X-ray?

Scapulae not superimposed on the lung fields.

Where should the medial ends of the clavicles project if there's no waist flexion/extension in a PA chest X-ray?

At the T3–T4 intervertebral space.

What central ray (CR) and central point (CP) are used in a PA chest X-ray?

CR: Perpendicular to the IR; CP: Midsagittal plane at T7.

When should exposure be made for an AP chest radiograph?

After full inspiration.

What is the typical SID for chest radiographs (AP and PA)?

180 cm.

How should the IR be positioned in an AP chest X-ray?

3–5 cm above the shoulders.

What should be done with the patient’s arms during an AP chest X-ray?

Internally rotate humeri (hands on outer thighs) to move scapulae laterally.

What is the central ray direction for an AP chest radiograph?

Perpendicular to the sternum; 5° caudad angle if upright.

Where is the central point (CP) for an AP chest radiograph?

Midline, 7.6 cm (3 inches) below the sternal notch.

How many posterior ribs should be visible above the diaphragm in an AP chest X-ray?

9 posterior ribs.

What indicates correct rotation in an AP chest radiograph?

SC joints equidistant to spinous processes.

What indicates appropriate shoulder positioning in an AP chest X-ray?

Scapulae not superimposed on the lung fields.

Why might fewer ribs be seen in an AP chest compared to PA?

Supine/sitting position limits full inspiration.

Which side is usually placed against the bucky in a lateral chest X-ray?

Left side.

How should the patient’s feet be positioned during a lateral chest radiograph?

In a wide stance for stability.

Where should the patient’s arms be positioned during a lateral chest X-ray?

Raised above the head or holding a bar.

How should the midsagittal plane be positioned relative to the IR in a lateral chest X-ray?

Parallel to the IR.

How high should the IR be positioned for a lateral chest X-ray?

Approximately 1.5 inches above the shoulders.

What is the central ray (CR) direction for a lateral chest X-ray?

Perpendicular.

What is the central point (CP) for a lateral chest X-ray?

Midcoronal plane at T7.

What can be used if the patient can't raise arms overhead during a lateral chest X-ray?

IV pole or bar to hold onto.

What indicates no rotation in a lateral chest radiograph?

Posterior ribs are nearly superimposed A/P

What indicates no tilt in a lateral chest radiograph?

Posterior ribs are superimposed superior/inferior.

How many thoracic vertebrae should be seen above the diaphragm in a lateral chest radiograph?

11 full thoracic vertebrae.

What confirms arms are not superimposed over the lung fields in a lateral chest radiograph?

Arms are raised high enough and out of lung field.