Chapter 3 - Abdomen

T/F: The correct term for the radiographic study of the urinary system is intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

False - it's IVU

Gonadal shielding for _____may be impossible for studies of the lower abdominopelvic region.

Female patients

Which structure stores and releases bile?

Gallbladder

Which type of body habitus may require two crosswise images to be taken if the entire abdomen is to be included?

Hypersthenic

At the junction of the small and large intestine is the _____.

Ileocecal valve

Which portion of the small intestine is the longest?

Ileum

The central ray is centered to the level of the _____ for a supine AP projection of the abdomen.

Iliac crest

Why may the PA projection of a KUB generally be less desirable than the AP projection?

Increased OID of kidneys on PA

Which topographic landmark is found at the level of L2-L3?

Inferior costal margin

_____ is used to locate upper abdominal organs, such as the gallbladder and stomach.

Inferior costal margin (L2-L3)

A radiographic examination of the urinary system performed with intravenous contrast medium.

Intravenous Urogram (IVU)

Definitions: Telescoping of a section of bowel into another loop of bowel

Intussusception

Radiographic appearances: Air-filled "coiled spring" appearance.

Intussusception

The first 2/5th's of small intestine following the duodenum is the _____, and the distal 3/5th's is called the _____.

Jejunum Ileum

The iliac crest is at the level of the interspace between the _____ vertebra.

L4-5

Which projection best demonstrates a possible aortic aneurysm in the abdomen?

Lateral position

Which decubitus position of the abdomen best demonstrates intraperitoneal AIR in the abdomen?

Left Lateral Decub ***Free air is best visualized in the upper right abdomen in area of liver***

The sigmoid colon is located between the _____ and the _____ of the large intestine.

Descending colon Rectum

Free air in the intraabdominal cavity rises to the level of the _____ in a patient who is in the erect position.

Diaphragm

What is the recommended overlap when using two crosswise images for an AP projection of a supine abdomen of a broad hypersthenic-type patient?

1-2 inches

Rotation can be determined on a KUB radiograph by the loss of symmetric appearance of: 1. 2. 3. 4.

1. Iliac wings 2. Obturator foramina 3. Ischial spines 4. Outer rib margins

What are the 6 organs of the digestive system? Which 3 are located within the abdominal cavity?

1. Oral cavity 2. Pharynx 3. Esophagus 4. Stomach 5. Small intestine 6. Large intestine 1.) Stomach 2.) Small intestine 3.) Large intestine

What are the projections commonly performed for an acute abdominal series or 3-way abdominal series?

1.) AP Supine Abdomen (KUB) 2.) AP Erect or Lateral Decub 3.) PA Erect Chest

What are the 7 palpable landmarks that are important in positioning the abdomen?

1.) Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) 2.) Greater trochanter 3.) Symphysis pubis 4.) Xiphoid process (T9-10) 5.) Iliac crest (L4-5) 6.) Ischial tuberosity 7.) Inferior costal margin (L2-3) **AGS XIII**

What are the three most important abdominal muscles in abdominal radiography?

1.) Diaphragm 2. Left psoas major 3.) Right psoas major

What are several things that can cause dynamic or mechanical bowel obstruction?

1.) Fibrous adhesions 2.) Crohn's disease 3.) Intussusception 4.) Volvulus 5.) Ileus (nonmechanical) 6.) Ulcerative colitis

Match the following structures to the correct location of the peritoneum. Choose between intraperiotoneum, retroperitoneum, and infraperitoneum. 1.) Liver 2.) Urinary bladder 3.) Kidneys 4.) Spleen 5.) Ovaries 6.) Duodenum 7.) Transverse colon 8.) Testes 9.) Adrenal glands 10.) Stomach 11.) Pancreas 12.) Ascending and descending colon

1.) INTRA 2.) INFRA 3.) RETRO 4.) INTRA 5.) INFRA 6.) RETRO 7.) INTRA 8.) INFRA 9.) RETRO 10.) INTRA 11.) RETRO 12.) RETRO

Match the structures to the correct compartment of the peritoneum 1.) Cecum 2.) Jejunum 3.) Ascending colon 4.) Liver 5.) Adrenal glands 6.) Gallbladder 7.) Ovaries 8.) Duodenum 9.) Urinary bladder 10.) Pancreas

1.) INTRA 2.) INTRA 3.) RETRO 4.) INTRA 5.) RETRO 6.) INTRA 7.) INFRA 8.) RETRO 9.) INFRA 10.) RETRO

What are the 3 accessory organs located in the abdominal cavity?

1.) Liver 2.) Gallbladder 3.) Pancreas

What are the exposure factors for abdominal radiographs?

1.) Medium kV (70 to 80) 2.) Short exposure time 3.) Adequage mAs for sufficient density

What are the 4 abdominal quadrants?

1.) Right upper quadrant (RUQ) 2.) Left upper quadrant (LUQ) 3.) Right lower quadrant (RLQ) 4.) Left lower quadrant (LLQ)

What are two ways to prevent movement in abdominal radiography?

1.) Use the shortest exposure time possible 2.) Provide careful breathing instructions

To ensure the diaphragm is included on an erect abdomen projection, the CR should be __ inches above the _____, which places the top of the 14 x 17-inch IR at the level of the _____.

2 inches iliac crest axilla

The ER physician suspects a patient has a kidney stone. The patient is sent to the radiology department to confirm the diagnosis. What specific positioning routine would be used to rule out the presence of a kidney stone?

A KUB would be performed with the correct exposure factors to visualize the possible stone.

A patient in intensive care may have developed intra-abdominal bleeding. The patient is in critical condition and cannot go to the radiology department. The physician has ordered a portable study of the abdomen. Which specific position or projection can be used to determine the extent of the bleeding?

A bedside portable left lateral decubitus projection could be performed to demonstrate any fluid levels in the abdomen.

What is the preferred length of time a patient should lie on his or her side prior to a lateral decubitus projection?

A minimum of 5 minutes before the radiograph is taken but *10 to 20 minutes prior is preferred*

What is the most common abdominal x-ray?

AP Supine Abdomen *** Called a KUB, which stands for kidneys, ureters, and bladder ***

What routines are used for children under 2 or 3 years of age?

AP erect abdomen with an immobilization device, such as a Pigg-O-Stat.

A plain _____radiograph of the abdomen generally is taken before contrast medium is introduced into the various abdominal organ systems for evaluation.

AP supine (KUB)

Gonadal shielding for females involves placing the top of the shield at or slightly above the level of the _____, with the bottom at the _____.

ASIS Symphysis pubis

Definitions: Bowel obstruction caused by a lack of intestinal peristalsis

Adynamic ileus

An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid is a condition called _____.

Ascites

Definitions: Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Ascites

Radiographic appearances: General abdominal haziness

Ascites

Why is the right kidney found in a more inferior position than the left kidney?

Because of the presence of the liver on the right.

The acute abdominal series is performed most commonly to evaluate and diagnose conditions or diseases related to _____ or _____

Bowel obstruction Perforation

With the use of iodinated contrast media, _____ is able to distinguish between a simple cyst or tumor of the liver.

CT

Explain acute abdominal series

Certain acute or emergency conditions such as bowel obstruction, perforations, or an intra-abdominal mass may require what is commonly called an "acute abdominal series" or a "two-way" or "three-way" abdominal series, wherein several abdominal radiographs are taken in different positions to demonstrate air-fluid levels or free air or both within the abdominal cavity.

Definitions: Chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall that may result in bowel obstruction

Crohn's disease

Radiographic appearances: Distended loops of air-filled small intestine

Crohn's disease

Which decubitus position best demonstrates possible aneurysms, calcifications of the aorta, or umbilical hernias?

Dorsal decub

The first portion of the small intestine is called the _____.

Duodenum

The first portion of the small intestine is the _____.

Duodenum (10 inches)

What are the 3 parts of the small intestine?

Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum

Exposure for an AP projection of the abdomen should be taken on (inspiration/expiration)

Expiration

Abdominal radiographs are exposed on inspiration/expiration.

Expiration Ex: "Take a deep breath, let it all out and hold it; don't breathe."

T/F: Because the liver margin is visible in the RUQ of the abdomen, it is not necessary to place a right or left anatomic side marker on the cassette before exposure.

False

T/F: For an adult abdomen, a collimation margin must be visible on all four sides of the radiograph.

False

T/F: It is always acceptable during KUB imaging practice to indicate the side of the body with a digital marker.

False

What are the 3 accessory digestive organs?

Liver Gallbladder Pancreas **LGP**

For abdominal radiographs, gonad shields should always be used on _____ and used on _____ only when it does not obscure essential anatomy.

Male patients Female patients

The double fold of peritoneum that loosely connects the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall.

Mesentery

A key factor in good abdominal radiography is the prevention of _____.

Motion

A KUB radiograph reveals that the symphysis pubis was cut off along the bottom of the image. Is this an acceptable radiograph? If it is not, how can this problem be prevented during the repeat exposure?

No. a KUB must include the symphysis pubis on the radiograph to ensure that the bladder is seen. The positioning error involves centering of the central ray to the iliac crest. The technologist should also palpate the symphysis pubis (if permitted by institutional policy) or greater trochanter to ensure that it is above the bottom of the cassette.

Oftentimes referred to as the "fatty apron"

Omentum

Which projection of the 3-way acute abdominal series best demonstrates free air under the diaphragm?

PA Erect Chest

The peritoneum that adheres to the cavity wall is the _____ and the peritoneum that covers abdominal organs is the _____. The space between those portions is called the _____.

Parietal peritoneum Visceral peritoneum Peritoneal cavity

A radiograph of an AP abdomen reveals the left iliac wing is more narrowed than the right. What specific positioning error caused this?

Patient was rotated into a slight right posterior oblique (RPO) position. (The downside ileum will appear wider)

What is the primary cause for involuntary motion of the abdomen?

Peristaltic action of the bowel

A large serous double-walled, saclike membrane that covers most of the abdominal structures and organs.

Peritoneum

The double-walled membrane lining the abdominal cavity is called the _____.

Peritoneum

The double-walled membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity is called the _____.

Peritoneum

Definitions: Free air or gas in the peritoneal cavity.

Pneumoperitoneum

Radiographic appearances: Thin crest-shaped radiolucency underneath the diaphragm

Pneumoperitoneum

The pancreas is anterior/posterior to the stomach

Posterior

The pancreas is located anteriorly/posteriorly to the stomach

Posteriorly

The large intestine begins in the _____ quadrant with a saclike area called the _____.

RLQ Cecum

The organs located posteriorly to, or behind, the serous membrane lining of the abdominopelvic cavity are referred to as _____.

Retroperitoneal

Which one of the following factors best controls the involuntary movement motion of a young, pediatric patient during abdominal radiography?

Short exposure time

Gastro means _____.

Stomach

The prominence of the greater trochanter is about the same level of the _____ of the symphysis pubis, and the lower margins of the ischial tuberosities is about ___ inches (proximal/distal) to the _____.

Superior border 1 1/2 inches Distal

What positions and/or projections are used for pediatric patients?

Supine and horizontal beam projection

Which endocrine glands are superomedial to each kidney?

Suprarenals

Which topographic landmark corresponds to the inferior margin of the abdomen and is formed by the anterior junction of the two pelvic bones?

Symphysis pubis

The xiphoid process corresponds with which vertebral level?

T9-10

A radiographic image of an AP projection of the abdomen demonstrates motion. The following exposure factors were selected: 78 kV, 200 mA, 2/10 second, grid, and 40-inch SID. The technologist is sure that the patient did not breathe or move during the exposure. What may have caused the blurriness? What can be done to correct this problem on the repeat exposure?

The blurriness may be caused by involuntary motion. To control this motion, the technologist needs to increase the milliamperage and decrease the exposure time (example: 400 mA at 1/10 second)

A radiograph of an AP projection of an average-size adult abdomen was produced using the following exposure factors: 90 kV, 400 mA, 1/10th second, grid, and 40-inch SID using film/screen (analog) imaging system. The overall density of the radiograph was acceptable, but the soft tissue structures, such as the psoas muscles and kidneys, were not visible. Which adjustment to the technical considerations will enhance the visibility of these structures on the repeat exposure?

The selected kV (90 kV) was too high. The technologist needs to lower the kV to between 70 and 80 kV. The milliamperage and exposure time can be altered to maintain the density.

A patient with a possible adynamic ileus enters the ER. The patient is able to stand. The physician has ordered an acute abdominal series. What specific positioning routine should be used?

The three-way acute abdomen series: AP Supine AP Erect PA Erect Chest

A patient with a possible perforated duodenal ulcer enters the ER. The ER physician is concerned about the presence of free air in the abdomen. The patient is in severe pain and cannot stand. What positioning routine should be used to diagnose this condition?

The two-way acute abdomen series

Why should a patient be placed in the decubitus position for a minimum of 5 minutes before exposure?

To allow intraabdominal air to rise or abnormal fluids to accumulate.

Why is it recommended to take abdominal radiographs at the end of patient expiration?

To increase room for expansion of the abdominal organs within the abdominal cavity.

T/F: A radiolucent pad should be placed underneath geriatric patients for added comfort.

True

T/F: A tall asthenic patient may require two 14 x 17-inch IR's placed lengthwise if the entire abdomen is to be included.

True

T/F: The lower aspect of the peritoneum is a closed sac in the male but not in the female.

True

T/F: Plain radiographs of the abdomen are taken without the use of contrast media.

True (Oftentimes taken before abdominal examinations containing contrast media to rule out certain pathologies)

Which positioning routine should be used for an acute abdominal series if the patient is too ill to stand?

Two-way abdomen; AP Supine Abdomen & Left Lateral Decub

Definitions: Inflammatory condition of the colon

Ulcerative colitis

Radiographic appearances: Deep air-filled mucosal protrusions of colon wall

Ulcerative colitis

_____ is being used to evaluate patients with acute appendicitis.

Ultrasound

The transverse plane dividing the abdominal cavity into four quadrants is located at the level of the _____, which on most people is the level of the intervertebral disk between __ and __.

Umbilicus L4 - L5

What is the best mechanism to control involuntary motion?

Using the shortest exposure time possible

Definitions: A twisting of a loop of bowel creating an obstruction

Volvulus

Radiographic appearances: Large amounts of air trapped in sigmoid colon with a tapered narrowing at the site of obstruction

Volvulus

A patient with a history of ascites comes to the radiology department. Which of the following positions best demonstrates this condition? a.) Erect AP abdomen b.) Erect PA chest c.) Supine KUB d.) Prone KUB

a.) Erect AP abdomen

An important anatomic landmark that is commonly used to locate the center of the abdomen is the: a.) Iliac crest b.) Greater trochanter c.) ASIS d.) Ischial tuberosity

a.) Iliac crest

The transverse colon is classified as a(n) _____ structure. a.) Intraperiotoneal b.) Retroperitoneal c.) Infraperitoneal d.) Extraperitoneal

a.) Intraperiotoneal

The telescoping of a section of bowel into another loop is called: a.) Intussusception b.) Ascites c.) Volvulus d.) Ulcerative colitis

a.) Intussusception

Which specific decubitus position of the abdomen should be used in an acute abdomen series if the patient cannot stand? a.) Left lateral decubitus b.) Dorsal decubitus c.) Right lateral decubitus d.) Ventral decubitus

a.) Left lateral decubitus

Which one of the following abdominal regions contains the rectum? a.) Pubic b.) Inguinal c.) Umbilical d.) Epigastric e.) Hypochondriac f.) Lumbar

a.) Pubic

What is the correct abdominal quadrant for each? a.) Cecum b.) Liver c.) Spleen d.) Stomach e.) Right colic flexure f.) Sigmoid colon g.) Appendix h.) Pancreas i.) Gallbladder

a.) RLQ b.) RUQ c.) LUQ d.) LUQ e.) RUQ f.) LLQ g.) RLQ h.) RUQ & LUQ i.) RUQ

For each of the following organs, identify the correct abdominal quadrant in which the organ is found. a.) Liver b.) Spleen c.) Sigmoid colon d.) Left colic flexure e.) Stomach f.) Appendix g.) 2/3rds of jejunum

a.) RUQ b.) LUQ c.) LLQ d.) LUQ e.) LUQ f.) RLQ g.) LUQ

Situation: A patient comes to the ER with possible gallstones. The patient is in severe pain. Which of the following imaging modalities or projections provides the quickest method for confirming the presence of gallstones? a.) Sonography b.) Acute abdomen series c.) MRI d.) KUB

a.) Sonography

Which of the following is NOT one of the accessory organs for digestion? a.) Spleen b.) Pancreas c.) Liver d.) Gallbladder

a.) Spleen

What is the landmark of... a.) Xiphoid process b.) Inferior costal margin c.) Iliac crest d.) Umbilicus

a.) T9-10 b.) L2-3 c.) L4-5 d.) L4-5

The preferred imaging modality for examining the gallbladder quickly is: a.) Ultrasound b.) Nuclear medicine c.) Barium enema study d.) MRI

a.) Ultrasound

Most abdominal projections are taken: a.) Upon expiration b.) During shallow breathing c.) Upon inspiration d.) During deep breathing

a.) Upon expiration

Which one of the following sets of exposure factors would be best for abdominal radiography (for the average-size adult)? a.) 100 kV, grid, 40-inch SID b.) 78 kV, grid, 40-inch SID c.) 78 kV, grid, 72-inch SID d.) 65 kV, grid, 40-inch SID

b.) 78 kV, grid, 40-inch SID

Situation: A patient comes to the radiology department with a clinical history of pneumoperitoneum. The patient is able to stand. Which one of the following projections best demonstrates this condition? a.) AP supine abdomen b.) AP erect abdomen c.) Dorsal decubitus d.) Left lateral decubitus

b.) AP erect abdomen

Which one of the following conditions is demonstrated radiographically as general abdominal haziness? a.) Pneumoperitoneum b.) Ascites c.) Ileus d.) Olvulus

b.) Ascites

If the PA chest projection is not performed for the acute abdomen series, centering for the erect abdomen projection must include the a.) Inferior liver margin b.) Diaphragm c.) Entire kidneys d.) Bladder

b.) Diaphragm

To identify the inferior margin of the abdomen, the technologist can palpate the symphysis pubis or a.) Iliac crest b.) Greater trochanter c.) ASIS d.) Ischial tuberosity

b.) Greater trochanter

Situation: A patient comes to the ER with a history of Crohn's disease. An acute abdomen series is ordered on this patient. Which of the following is the reason for this order? a.) Verify diagnosis b.) Identify current inflammation c.) Identify location of gallstones d.) Verify current infection

b.) Identify current inflammation

Situation: A patient comes to the radiology department with a clinical history of ascites. The patient is unable to stand or sit erect. Which one of the following projections best demonstrates this condition? a.) AP supine abdomen b.) Left lateral decubitus c.) Dorsal decubitus d.) AP supine chest

b.) Left lateral decubitus

Situation: A patient with a possible perforated bowel caused by trauma enters the ER. The patient is unable to stand. Which projection best demonstrates any possible free air within the abdomen? a.) Dorsal decubitus b.) Left lateral decubitus c.) AP supine abdomen d.) Right lateral decubitus

b.) Left lateral decubitus

What is the name of the double fold of peritoneum that extends from the lesser curvature of the stomach to portions of the liver? a.) Greater omentum b.) Lesser omentum c.) Mesentery d.) Mesocolon

b.) Lesser omentum

What scale of contrast is recommended for visualization of the abdominal structures on an abdominal x-ray? a.) Short scale b.) Long scale

b.) Long scale

Another term describing a nonmechanical bowel obstruction is: a.) Pneumoperitoneum b.) Paralytic ileus c.) Ascites d.) Intussusception

b.) Paralytic ileus

A KUB radiograph reveals that the gonadal shielding is superior to the upper margin of the symphysis pubis. The female patient has a history of kidney stones. What is the next step the technologist should take? a.) Accept the radiograph because the kidneys were not obscured by the shielding b.) Repeat the exposure without using gonadal shielding c.) Repeat the exposure only if the patient complains of pain in the lower abdomen d.) Repeat the exposure with gonadal shielding, but position it below the symphysis pubis.

b.) Repeat the exposure without using gonadal shielding

The pancreas is classified as a(n) _____ structure. a.) Intraperiotoneal b.) Retroperitoneal c.) Infraperitoneal d.) Extraperitoneal

b.) Retroperitoneal

Which one of the following organs is NOT directly associated with the digestive system? a.) Gallbladder b.) Spleen c.) Jejunum d.) Pancreas

b.) Spleen

Which one of the following organs is considered to be part of the lymphatic system? a.) Liver b.) Spleen c.) Pancreas d.) Gallbladder

b.) Spleen

A KUB radiograph on a large hypersthenic patient reveals that the entire abdomen is not included on the 14 x 17 inch IR. What can be done to correct this on the repeat radiograph? a.) Use two cassettes placed lengthwise b.) Use two cassettes placed crosswise c.) Expose during deep inspiration d.) Perform KUB with patient in the erect position

b.) Use two cassettes placed crosswise

A pathologic condition in which TWISTING of a loop of intestine creates an obstruction is termed a.) Intussusception b.) Volvulus c.) Ascites d.) Adynamic ileus

b.) Volvulus

A patient comes to the ER with a large distended abdomen caused by an ileus. The physician suspects that the distention is caused by a large amount of bowel gas that is trapped in the small intestine. The standard analog technique for a KUB on an adult is 76 kV, 30 mAs. Should the technologist change any of these exposure factors for this patient? (AEC is not being used) a.) No. Use the standard exposure settings. b.) Yes. Decrease the milliamperage seconds (mAs). c.) Yes. Increase the milliamperage seconds (mAs). d.) Yes. Increase the kilovoltage (kV).

b.) Yes. Decrease the milliamperage seconds (mAs).

Where is the CR centered for an AP erect abdomen projection as part of an acute abdomen series? a.) At iliac crest b.) ASIS c.) 1-2 inches above iliac crest d.) At xiphoid process

c.) 1-2 inches above iliac crest

Which one of the following exposure considerations would be most ideal for an AP abdomen of an average-size adult? a.) 110-120 kV, grid, 40-inch (102-cm) SID b.) 85-95 kV, grid, 40-inch (102-cm) SID c.) 70-80 kV, grid, 40-inch (102-cm) SID d.) 60-70 kV, grid, 40-inch (102-cm) SID

c.) 70-80 kV, grid, 40-inch (102-cm) SID

Situation: A patient with a clinical history of a possible umbilical hernia comes to the radiology department. The KUB is inconclusive. Which additional projection can be taken to help confirm the diagnosis? a.) AP erect abdomen b.) Left lateral decubitus c.) Dorsal decubitus d.) Ventral decubitus

c.) Dorsal decubitus

Which one of the following structures is a double fold of peritoneum that connects the transverse colon to the greater curvature of the stomach? a.) Mesocolon b.) Lesser Omentum c.) Greater Omentum d.) Mesentery

c.) Greater Omentum

A child goes to radiology for an abdomen study. It is possible that he swallowed a coin. The ER physician believes it may be in the upper GI tract. Which of the following routines would best identify the location of the coin? a.) KUB and left lateral decubitus b.) Acute abdominal series c.) KUB and lateral abdomen d.) Supine and erect KUB

c.) KUB and lateral abdomen

The sigmoid colon is located in the _____ quadrant. a.) RUQ b.) LUQ c.) LLQ d.) RLQ

c.) LLQ

Which region of the abdomen contains the spleen? a.) Epigastric b.) Umbilical c.) Left hypochondriac d.) Left inguinal

c.) Left hypochondriac

Which one of the following projections requires a kV setting of 110 to 125? a.) Erect abdomen for ascites b.) Supine abdomen for intraabdominal mass c.) PA, erect chest for free air under diaphragm d.) Dorsal decub abdomen for calcified aorta

c.) PA, erect chest for free air under diaphragm

Which one of the following abdominal structures is not visible on a properly exposed KUB? a.) Kidneys b.) Margin of liver processes c.) Pancreas d.) Lumbar transverse processes

c.) Pancreas

Which of the following soft tissue structures are seen on a properly exposed KUB? a.) Spleen b.) Pancreas c.) Psoas muscles d.) Stomach

c.) Psoas muscles

A radiograph of an AP projection of the abdomen reveals that the right iliac wing is wider than the left. What type of positioning error was involved? a.) Rotation toward the left b.) Tilt to the left c.) Rotation toward the right d.) Tilt to the right

c.) Rotation toward the right

What is the correct name for the abdominal region found directly in the middle of the abdomen? a.) Epigastric b.) Inguinal c.) Umbilical d.) Pubic

c.) Umbilical

The kidneys are connected to the bladder by the way of the: a.) Urethra b.) Renal artery c.) Ureter d.) Renal vein

c.) Ureter

What is the minimum amount of time a patient should be upright before taking a projection to demonstrate intra-abdominal free air? a.) 20 minutes b.) 30 minutes c.) 2 minutes d.) 5 minutes

d.) 5 minutes

Situation: A patient with a possible ileus (a painful obstruction of the ileum or other part of the intestine) enters the emergency room. The physician orders an acute abdominal series. The patient can stand. Which specific position best demonstrates air/fluid levels in the abdomen? a.) AP supine abdomen b.) Right lateral decubitus c.) Dorsal decubitus d.) AP erect abdomen

d.) AP erect abdomen

Which of the following technical considerations is essential when performing abdomen studies on a young pediatric patient? a.) Short exposure time b.) High-speed image receptor c.) Reduce kV and mAs d.) All of the above

d.) All of the above

An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is called: a.) Ileus b.) Ulcerative colitis c.) Volvulus d.) Ascites

d.) Ascites

Which one of the following technical factors is essential when using computed radiography (CR) to ensure a high-quality image is produced? a.) Low kV b.) 72-inch SID c.) Large focal spot d.) Close collimation

d.) Close collimation

Which one of the following conditions is demonstrated radiographically as distended, air-filled loops of the small bowel? a.) Ascites b.) Ulcerative colitis c.) Pneumoperitoneum d.) Ileus

d.) Ileus

Which one of the following is not an accessory organ of digestion? a.) Liver b.) Gallbladder c.) Pancreas d.) Kidney

d.) Kidney

Which of the following projections will best demonstrate intraperitoneal free air? a.) KUB b.) Dorsal decubitus c.) Left lateral decubitus d.) PA chest

d.) Left Lateral Decub

Which one of the following structures connects the small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall? a.) Greater omentum b.) Peritoneum c.) Lesser omentum d.) Mesentery

d.) Mesentery

Which of the following alternative imaging modalities is most effectively used to evaluate GI motility and reflux? a.) CT b.) MRI c.) Sonography d.) Nuclear medicine

d.) Nuclear medicine

What two large abdominal muscles extend next to the lumbar spine and are indicators of a well-imposed KUB? a.) Rectus abdominis b.) Quadratus lumborum c.) Erector spinae d.) Psoas major

d.) Psoas major

A hypersthenic patient comes to the radiology department for a KUB. The radiograph reveals that the symphysis pubis is included in the image, but the upper abdomen, including the kidneys, is cut off. What is the next step the technologist should take? a.) Accept the radiograph. b.) Repeat the exposure, but expose it during inspiration to force the kidneys lower in the abdomen. c.) Ask the radiologist whether the upper abdomen really needs to be seen. Repeat only if requested. d.) Repeat the exposure. use two 14 x 17 in. IR's crosswise to include the entire abdomen .

d.) Repeat the exposure. use two 14 x 17 in. IR's crosswise to include the entire abdomen

A chronic disease involving inflammation of the large intestine is: a.) Ascites b.) Volvulus c.) Crohn's disease d.) Ulcerative colitis

d.) Ulcerative colitis

The medical prefix for stomach is _____.

gastro-

Children younger than 12 or 13 years of age require a reduction in _____ and _____.

kV mAs

Two large muscles found in the posterior abdomen adjacent to the lumbar vertebra and usually visible on an AP radiograph are called the _____ muscles.

psoas muscles