Positioning 2: Ch. 16

Which of the following convey(s) blood to the liver? 1.) hepatic veins 2.) hepatic artery 3.) portal vein

2 and 3

Where is the center of the IR positioned for an AP abdominal radiograph done in the upright position?

2 inches above the iliac crests

T or F: It is not necessary to visulaize the pubic symphysis on an AP supine abdomen radiograph.

False

A properly exposed abdominal radiograph will exhibit the: 1.) psoas muscles 2.) lower border of the liver 3.) transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae

1, 2, and 3

How long should a patient remain in the left lateral decubitus position to demonstrate a small amount of intraperitoneal gas (free air)?

10 to 20 minutes

A radiograph of an AP projection of an average-size adult abdomen was produced using the following exposure factors: 90 kVp, 400 mA, 1/10 second, grid, and 40 inch SID. 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 factors will enhance the visibility of these structures on the repeat exposures?

80 kVp, 400 mA, 1/10 second, grid, 40" SID

A radiograph image of an AP projection of the abdomen demonstrates motion. The following exposure factors were selected: 78 kVp, 200 mA, 2/10 second, grid, and 40 inch SID. The technologist is sure that the patient didn't breathe or move during the exposure. What may have caused this blurriness?

Involuntary motion

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

KUB

A patient in intensive care may have developed intraabdominal bleeding. The patient is in critical condition and cannnot go to the radiology department. The physician has ordered a portable study of the abdomen. Which specific position or projection can be used to best determine the extent of the bleeding?

Left lateral decubitus abdomen

A hypersthenic patient comes to the radiology department for a KUB. The radiograph reveals that the symphysis pubis is included on the image, but the upper abdomen, including the kidneys is cut off. What is the best next step the technologist should take?

Repeat the exposure using a 14 x 17 IR placed crosswise, centered over the upper abdomen.

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 best next step the technologist should take?

Repeat the exposure without using the gonadal shielding, using a 10 x 12 IR centered 2 inches above the pubic symphysis.

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

The patient was rotated into a slight RPO position.

T or F: Hypersthenic patients may require two cross-wise radiographs to visualize the entire abdominal cavity.

True

T or F: Respiration for abdominal radiographs is suspended at the end of expiration so that the abdominal organs are not compressed.

True

A patient with a possible perforated duodenal ulcer enters the emergency room. 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?

Two-way abdomen (AP supine and Left lateral decubitus).

A patient with a history of ascites comes to the radiology department. Which one of the following positions best demonstrates this condition?

Upright AP abdomen

A patient comes from 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 technique for a KUB on an adult is 76 kVp at 30 mAs. Should the technologist change any of these exposure factors for this patient? (AEC is not being used).

Yes, decrease the mAs.

Where is the CR directed for an AP abdominal radiograph done in the supine position?

iliac crests