Radiographic Positioning Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. How is the leg generally positioned for an AP mortise projection of the ankle?
Internally rotate the entire leg about 15-20 degrees until the intermalleolar line is parallel to the receptor.
Externally rotate the foot about 15-20 degrees while keeping the knee facing forward.
Internally rotate only the forefoot about 45 degrees.
Keep the leg in a true AP position and angle the central ray medially.
2. An RPO lumbar spine projection is an AP oblique position. Which zygapophyseal joints are primarily demonstrated?
The right joints, because they are closest to the image receptor
Both sides equally, because obliquity removes magnification
The left joints, because they are farthest from the image receptor
Neither side; lumbar zygapophyseal joints are shown only on lateral projections
3. For a routine non-trauma AP pelvis projection, why are the legs commonly internally rotated 15-20 degrees?
To move the greater trochanters completely above the acetabula
To open the sacroiliac joints symmetrically
To place the femoral necks more nearly parallel to the image receptor
To demonstrate the lesser trochanters in full profile
4. Which combination is appropriate for a routine lateral cervical spine projection?
Center at T1 and elevate the shoulders toward the ears.
Center at approximately C4 and depress the shoulders evenly without rotating the patient.
Center at C1 and rotate the head 15 degrees toward the receptor.
Center at C7 and flex the chin until it touches the chest.
5. A lateral knee image shows the femoral condyles separated rather than superimposed. Which positioning goal is most directly related to correcting this?
Adjust rotation until the femoral epicondyles are perpendicular to the image receptor.
Externally rotate the entire leg about 45 degrees.
Fully extend the knee and elevate the ankle.
Place the patella perpendicular to the image receptor.
6. A patient cannot stand, and free intraperitoneal air is suspected. Which abdomen position is commonly used so free air can rise alongside the liver without being confused with the gastric bubble?
Right lateral decubitus
Dorsal decubitus
Left lateral decubitus
Ventral decubitus
7. A patient can stand for a lateral chest projection. Which side is ordinarily placed against the image receptor to reduce magnification of the heart?
Either side, because lateral positioning does not affect magnification
The right side
The side opposite the patient's dominant hand
The left side
8. A patient has tenderness over the scaphoid after a fall. Which wrist position helps elongate the scaphoid and reduce superimposition?
Lateral wrist with full flexion
PA wrist with radial deviation
PA wrist with ulnar deviation
AP wrist with the hand clenched
9. A recumbent patient's lumbar spine is not parallel to the table during a lateral projection because the waist does not contact the surface. What adjustment is most appropriate?
Extend both hips and arch the lower back.
Rotate the upper torso toward the table until the waist contacts it.
Place suitable support under the waist and keep the shoulders and pelvis in a true lateral plane.
Angle the central ray sharply toward the patient's feet.
10. For a routine AP supine abdomen image intended to include the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, where is the central ray commonly centered?
At the xiphoid process
At the pubic symphysis
At the anterior superior iliac spines
At the level of the iliac crests
11. Why does a routine PA chest projection generally show less cardiac magnification than an AP chest projection?
The PA projection always uses a lower kilovoltage.
The heart is closer to the image receptor in the PA position.
The PA position places the lungs farther from the image receptor.
The central ray enters the chest at a steeper angle.
12. For a routine upright PA chest projection, the central ray is commonly directed to which approximate level?
T7, near the inferior angles of the scapulae
T3, near the upper sternum
T12, near the lower thoracic margin
C7, at the vertebra prominens
13. For an AP open-mouth projection of the odontoid process, which structures should be aligned to avoid superimposing the teeth or skull base over the dens?
The mandibular angles and mastoid tips
The outer canthi and external auditory meatuses
The chin and the jugular notch
The lower edge of the upper incisors and the base of the skull
14. Which setup best produces a true lateral elbow projection?
Extend the elbow fully and rotate the hand into pronation.
Flex the elbow 90 degrees, keep the shoulder and elbow in the same plane, and place the epicondyles perpendicular to the receptor.
Flex the elbow 45 degrees and place the epicondyles parallel to the receptor.
Raise the shoulder above the elbow and rotate the wrist externally.
15. On a correctly positioned AP shoulder image with external rotation, which appearance is expected?
The lesser tubercle is shown in profile medially.
The greater tubercle is shown in profile laterally.
The humeral epicondyles are perpendicular to the image receptor.
The scapular body is completely free of the ribs.
16. You need a routine PA hand image with minimal overlap of the phalanges. How should the hand usually be positioned?
Palm down with the fingers tightly flexed
Rotated laterally about 45 degrees with the fingers together
Clenched into a fist with the wrist extended
Palm down with the fingers extended and slightly separated