SCENARIO 5:                         The images were completed on a Fuji CR system which is an indirect system, with an acceptable range of 200-400 for thorax/abdominal images. The lateral image was taken utilizing 90 kVp and 10 mAs, and resulted in an exposure index of 450. What technical error led to this radiographic outcome and how can you fix it?

SCENARIO 2:    A patient, Ms. King, arrives to the radiology department from the emergency room with numbness and weakness in both hands, but especially on the right side. After initial radiographs of each hand, a cervical spine examination is ordered comprised of an AP Axial, Lateral, Hyperflexion and Hyperextension positions. Ms. King arrives in a wheelchair and is too dizzy to stand, so you place her on a stool and utilize the wall bucky for images.   To visualize Ms. King’s zygapophyseal joints of C5-C6 you perform the __________ projection and place the central ray __________.

The ER resident, Dr. Knowitall, is concerned about some possible pathologies that might be affecting Ms. King. In reviewing the case he has gotten confused as to which images would be required to demonstrate the pathologies. You assist him by identifying the image that best demonstrates the following pertinent pathologies:

SCENARIO 1:       The ER resident, Dr. Knowitall, reviewed the radiographs completed and you are preparing to transport Mr. Smith back to the  emergency room when Dr. Knowitall calls and requests that a radiograph be completed to demonstrate the odontoid process free from superimposition. The Mr. Smith is still lying on the radiographic room table and wearing the cervical collar, so he cannot extend his neck very far. You perform the requested radiograph utilizing the following:  Method:  [1]       Projection:  [2]      Positioning Baseline Utilized:   [3]     Positioning Line Placement to Table:   [4]  Direction/Placement of the Central Ray:  [5]      Central Ray Entrance Point:  [6]        

Upon review, the radiograph of the AP open-mouth projection reveals that the front teeth are superimposed over the dens. The base of the skull lies three centimeters above the level of the front teeth. What positioning change should you make for the repeat exposure?

SCENARIO 6:                         The central-ray for an image of AP sacroiliac joints is angled ___________ and directed to _________.

SCENARIO 2:                       Upon review of the images, it seems that the radiograph of a lateral projection of the cervical spine reveals that the ramus of the mandible is superimposed over the spine. What could you have done to prevent this?

Identify the correct bony anatomy or topographic landmark based on the information provided. ALL words must be spelled out entirely.  Misspelled words or incomplete answers  are incorrect. C3: [1]      T4-T5: [2]    C7-T1: [3]  T9-T10: [4] L2-L3: [5]

SCENARIO 3:         A patient, Mr. Michaels, arrives to the radiology department from the emergency room with pain in the middle of the vertebral column after a fall injury. A 2-view thoracic spine examination is ordered comprised of an AP and Left Lateral positions. Mr. Michaels cannot stand for images, so you perform all exams with him recumbent on the table in the radiography room. Centering for the AP projection of the thoracic spine is:

SCENARIO 6:                         A patient, Ms. Stokes, arrives to the radiology department from the emergency room with injuries to the base of her vertebral column that radiates toward the left side. A 3-view sacrum and coccyx examination and an anterior view of the sacroiliac joints are ordered comprised of AP Axial Sacrum, AP Axial Coccyx, Left Lateral Sacrum and Coccyx views as well as an AP Axial Sacroiliac joints view.   As you begin, Ms. Stokes is in a great amount of pain so you begin with the patient in the prone position for the axial projection of the coccyx. What is the correct central ray angle for this projection?