The GI Adventures
This is the primary projection performed for an acute abdomen series to demonstrate air-fluid levels and free intraperitoneal air.
What is the upright abdomen (AP erect)?
This type of contrast media absorbs more x-rays than surrounding tissue, appearing white or light on the image.
What is positive contrast media?
This device allows radiographers to perform fluoroscopic imaging in the OR without moving the patient.
What is a C-arm?
When performing a lateral cervical spine (cross-table) on a trauma patient, this should always be confirmed before removing a cervical collar.
What is clearance by a physician?
On an AP chest, the clavicles appear horizontal and above the apices. This indicates the patient was positioned this way.
What is rotated backward (lordotic position or excessive cephalad angle)?
For an AP supine (KUB), the central ray is directed to this level to include the entire abdomen.
What is the iliac crest?
Barium sulfate is contraindicated when this condition is suspected.
What is a perforation of the GI tract?
When using mobile radiography, the minimum source-to-skin distance (SSD) must not be less than this number of inches.
What is 12 inches (30 cm)?
A cross-table lateral hip is commonly used to evaluate fractures of this structure without moving the affected leg.
What is the proximal femur or hip joint?
On a lateral knee, the femoral condyles are not superimposed — one is higher than the other. What needs to be adjusted?
What is CR angle or patient rotation (adjust for over- or under-rotation of the knee)?
During a small bowel series, the first image is taken at this specific time after the patient drinks the barium.
What is approximately 15 minutes?
Before administering iodinated contrast, technologists should verify this critical piece of patient information related to kidney function.
What is BUN and creatinine levels, or What is GFR? (renal function)?
In lateral C-arm positioning, placing the x-ray tube under the table instead of above it reduces this type of radiation exposure.
What is scatter radiation to the operator and surgical staff?
When imaging a patient with a suspected C1–C2 (odontoid) fracture who cannot open their mouth, this alternate projection may be performed.
What is the Fuchs or Judd method (AP or PA projection of the odontoid through the foramen magnum)?
On an AP pelvis, the obturator foramina appear asymmetrical and the sacrum is not aligned with the pubic symphysis. What does this indicate?
What is rotation of the pelvis?
In a double-contrast barium enema, this contrast agent coats the mucosal lining to visualize fine detail, while this other agent distends the bowel.
What are barium sulfate and air (or CO₂)?
Nonionic iodinated contrast agents are preferred because they have this advantage compared to ionic agents.
What is lower osmolality and fewer adverse reactions?
The ABC (Automatic Brightness Control) system in fluoroscopy automatically adjusts these two factors to maintain consistent image brightness.
What are kVp and mA?
For a cross-table lateral knee, the CR is directed this way to ensure it passes parallel to the long axis of the femur.
What is 5–10° cephalad?
On a lateral decubitus chest, air-fluid levels are not sharply defined. What was the most likely error?
What is the patient was not horizontal or did not remain in position long enough before exposure?
For a PA axial or AP axial barium enema projection (the “butterfly” view), the CR is angled 30–40° caudad (PA) or 30–40° cephalad (AP) to best demonstrate this specific colon segment.
What is the rectosigmoid area?
Fluoroscopy equipment now includes pulsed fluoroscopy and last-image hold features primarily to achieve this safety goal.
What is reduce patient and operator radiation dose?
On a chest radiograph, a properly placed PICC line should terminate in this location.
What is the lower third of the superior vena cava (SVC) or at the cavoatrial junction?
If a trauma shoulder cannot be rotated for an internal or external AP, this alternate projection is used to visualize the humeral head in profile.
What is the Lawrence method (transthoracic lateral projection)?
On an AP shoulder, the greater tubercle is not seen in profile laterally. What was incorrect about positioning?
What is the arm was not externally rotated enough?