Radiographic Procedures and Anatomy
Radiographic Procedures and Anatomy
This domain tests projections, positioning landmarks, and anatomy visible on the image. You must know why a position is chosen, not just the name.
Core rules
- Match projection to clinical question: PA versus AP, decubitus, oblique, weight-bearing. Center the part, align the beam, and collimate to the area of interest.
- For chest PA: patient upright, chin elevated, shoulders rolled forward, scapulae cleared, symmetric clavicles, 10 posterior ribs visible, costophrenic angles included. Inspiration and rotation are quality checks.
- For abdomen: supine AP often; upright or decubitus for air-fluid levels. Include diaphragm to symphysis when indicated. Use markers and shielding per policy.
- Anatomy terms matter: carina, hilum, costophrenic angle, spinous process, pedicle, intervertebral foramen, greater trochanter.
Worked example
A PA chest image shows only 8 posterior ribs and the scapulae overlap the upper lungs. Reasoning: inadequate inspiration reduces lung volume and can mimic disease; scapular overlap obscures lung. Correct by coaching a deeper breath and rolling the shoulders forward before exposure.
Traps
Do not call an AP chest a PA chest. Do not assess rotation by patient comfort; use clavicular symmetry and spinous processes. Do not shield over the area of interest. Do not include less anatomy than the order requires.
Key takeaways
Positioning is judged by visible anatomy and beam-part alignment.