Ch 08 02 Flashcards
(43 cards)
- What type of CR angle is recommended when performing the AP axial projection for a patient with kyphosis of the cervical spine?
a. 15-degree cephalad
b. 20-degree cephalad
c. 15-degree caudad
d. 25-degree cephalad
Answer: a. 15-degree cephalad
- What type of CR angle is required for posterior oblique (left posterior oblique [LPO]/right posterior oblique [RPO]) positions of the cervical spine?
a. 15-degree cephalad
b. 15-degree caudad
c. 5- to 10-degree cephalad
d. None. The CR is perpendicular to the image receptor (IR).
Answer: a. 15-degree cephalad
- Which of the following factors will enhance the visibility of the vertebral bodies during a lateral projection of the thoracic spine?
a. Use a high kVp.
b. Increase SID.
c. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique.
d. Flex the spine.
Answer: c. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique.
- Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the left zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine?
a. LPO
b. RPO
c. RAO
d. Lateral
Answer: b. RPO
- How much rotation of the body is required for an LAO projection of the thoracic spine (from the plane of the table)?
a. 20 degrees
b. 45 degrees
c. 50 to 60 degrees
d. 70 degrees
Answer: d. 70 degrees
- Which of the following projections will project the dens within the shadow of the foramen magnum?
a. AP open mouth
b. AP projection (Fuchs method)
c. Twining method
d. None of the options
Answer: b. AP projection (Fuchs method)
- A radiograph of an AP open mouth projection of the cervical spine reveals that the zygapophyseal joints are not symmetric. No fracture or subluxation is present. Which one of the following positioning errors most likely led to this radiographic outcome?
a. Excessive CR angulation
b. Insufficient CR angulation
c. Rotation of the spine
d. Excessive flexion of the head
Answer: c. Rotation of the spine
- A radiograph of an AP axial projection of the cervical spine reveals that the intervertebral joints are not open. The following analog factors were used for this projection: 5-degree cephalad angle, 40-inch (100-cm) SID, grid, slight extension of the skull, and the CR centered to the thyroid cartilage. Which of the following modifications should be made during the repeat exposure?
a. Keep the CR perpendicular to the image receptor
b. Increase the SID to 72 inches (180 cm)
c. Center the CR to the gonion
d. Increase the CR angulation
Answer: d. Increase the CR angulation
- A radiograph of an AP thoracic spine projection reveals that the upper thoracic spine is overexposed. The lower vertebrae have acceptable density and contrast. Which one of the following modifications will improve the visibility of the upper thoracic spine?
a. Place the upper spine under the cathode side of the tube
b. Use a compensating (wedge) filter
c. Increase the kVp to decrease the contrast of the upper spine
d. Use a breathing technique
Answer: b. Use a compensating (wedge) filter
- A radiograph of a lateral thoracic spine reveals that there is excessive density along the posterior aspect of the spine. Even with good collimation, the scatter radiation reaching the image receptor obscures the spinous processes. What can the technologist do to improve the visibility of the posterior elements of the spine?
a. Use higher speed screens and film
b. Increase the kVp, lower the mAs
c. Use a higher ratio grid
d. Place a lead mat on the tabletop just posterior to the patient
Answer: d. Place a lead mat on the tabletop just posterior to the patient
- A radiograph of an AP open mouth projection reveals that the base of the skull is superimposed over the dens. What positioning error led to this radiographic outcome?
a. Excessive flexion of the skull
b. Excessive extension of the skull
c. Excessive CR angulation
d. Rotation of the skull
Answer: b. Excessive extension of the skull
- A radiograph of a lateral projection (nontrauma) of the cervical spine reveals that the ramus of the mandible is superimposed over the spine. What could the technologist have done to prevent this?
a. Elevate the chin to place the acanthiomeatal line (AML) parallel with the floor
b. Rotate the skull 20 to 30 degrees toward the IR
c. Angle the CR 3- to 5-degree caudad
d. Have the patient hold 5 to 10 lb in each hand
Answer: a. Elevate the chin to place the acanthiomeatal line (AML) parallel with the floor
- A radiograph of an RAO of the cervical spine reveals that the lower intervertebral foramina are not open. The upper vertebral foramina are well visualized. Which positioning error most likely led to this radiographic outcome?
a. Excessive CR angulation
b. Insufficient CR angulation
c. Insufficient rotation of the upper body
d. Incorrect CR placement
Answer: c. Insufficient rotation of the upper body
- A patient comes to the radiology department for a cervical spine routine. The study is ordered for nontraumatic reasons. The AP open mouth projection reveals that the base of the skull and upper incisors are superimposed, but they are obscuring the upper portion of the dens. On the repeat exposure, what should the technologist do to demonstrate the upper portion of the dens?
a. Increase the flexion of the skull
b. Increase the extension of the skull
c. Perform the Fuchs or Judd method
d. Perform the AP chewing projection
Answer: c. Perform the Fuchs or Judd method
- A patient enters the emergency department (ED) because of a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The patient is on a backboard and wearing a cervical collar. The technologist is concerned about the artifacts that the collar will project on the spine during the horizontal beam lateral projection. What should the technologist do in this situation?
a. Leave the collar on during the exposure
b. Remove the cervical collar but be careful not to move the patient’s head
c. Ask the patient to remove the collar herself (for liability reasons)
d. Ask a nurse to remove the collar and to hold the patient’s head while the technologist is initiating the exposure
Answer: a. Leave the collar on during the exposure
- A lateral projection of the thoracic spine reveals that the upper aspect, which is a primary area of interest on this patient, is obscured by the patient’s broad shoulders. Which of the following options will best demonstrate this region of the spine?
a. Use a compensating (wedge) filter and repeat the exposure with increased kVp.
b. Angle the CR 10- to 15-degree cephalad.
c. Perform the projection with the patient erect and holding weights in hand during exposure.
d. Perform a cervicothoracic (swimmer’s) lateral position.
Answer: d. Perform a cervicothoracic (swimmer’s) lateral position.
- A patient enters the ED with a cervical spine injury as a result of a fall. The initial horizontal beam lateral projection reveals no subluxation or fracture. The ED physician is concerned about a whiplash injury. Which of the following routines would be most helpful in diagnosing this type of injury?
a. Patient in the swimmer’s lateral position
b. Oblique projections of the cervical spine
c. Patient in hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral positions
d. AP Ottonello method
Answer: c. Patient in hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral positions
- A patient comes to radiology for a thoracic spine routine. The patient has a history of arthritis of the spine. The radiologist requests that additional projections be taken to demonstrate the zygapophyseal joints. What position(s) and/or projection(s) would be ideal to demonstrate these structures?
a. Pillar view projection of interest region
b. Swimmer’s lateral projection
c. Spot AP and lateral projections of interest region
d. 70-degree oblique projections
Answer: d. 70-degree oblique projections
- For an average-size adult, which of the following would receive the highest skin dose?
a. AP “wagging jaw” cervical spine, 3-second exposure time
b. AP thoracic spine
c. Lateral cervical spine at 72-inch (180-cm) SID
d. Lateral thoracic spine
Answer: d. Lateral thoracic spine
Answer: d. Lateral thoracic spine
- What is the recommended kVp range for thoracic spine projections when using digital systems?
a. 70 to 80 kVp
b. 60 to 70 kVp
c. 75 to 85 kVp
d. 110 to 120 kVp
Answer: c. 75 to 85 kVp
- This radiographic image represents which of the following projections and/or positions?
a. AP Fuchs method
b. AP pillar projection
c. AP axial C-spine projection
d. AP open mouth projection
Answer: d. AP open mouth projection
- A critique of the image demonstrates which repeatable error?
a. Excessive flexion of the skull
b. Excessive extension of the skull
c. Mouth not open far enough
d. None of the options
Answer: d. None of the options
- The structure labeled A, which should be well demonstrated on this projection, is the:
a. pedicle
b. lamina
c. odontoid process
d. inferior articular process
Answer: c. odontoid process
- A digital image taken of a lateral thoracic spine projection demonstrates poor visibility of the spine. The image was taken on a full 14 × 17-inch (35 × 43-cm) IR. The following factors were used during the exposure: 80 kVp, 80 mAs, 40-inch (100-cm) SID, and collimation to the size of the IR. Which one of the following modifications will result in a more diagnostic image?
a. Decrease kVp
b. Decrease mAs
c. Collimate to spine
d. Increase SID
Answer: c. Collimate to spine
