Bontrager Workbook: Chapter 10;
Positioning UPDATED ACTUAL Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
True/False
It is virtually impossible to visualize the sternum with a direct PA or AP projection - CORRECT
ANSWER - True
Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the right axillary ribs?
1. RAO
2. RPO
3. LAO
4. LPO - CORRECT ANSWER - LAO
True/False
A large, "deep-chested" (hypersthenic) patient requires more obliquity for a frontal view of the
sternum as compared with a "thin-chested" (asthenic) patient. - CORRECT ANSWER -
False
Less obliquity
How much rotation should be used for the oblique position of the sternum for a large, "deep-
chested" patient? - CORRECT ANSWER - Approximately 15*
List the recommended ranges for the following analog exposure factors as they apply to an
oblique position of the sternum (orthostatic-breathing technique). - CORRECT
ANSWER - kV range: 65-70 kV (5-10kV higher for digital)
mA: high
Exposure time: high (2-3 sec) with orthostatic breathing technique
, What is the advantage of performing an orthostatic (breathing) technique for radiography of the
sternum? - CORRECT ANSWER - It blurs lung markings and ribs which improves the
visibility of the sternum
What is the primary reason that a SID of less than 40 inches should not be used for sternum
radiography? - CORRECT ANSWER - Increase patient dose, especially skin dose
How should the arms be positioned for an erect lateral projection of the sternum? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Drawn back
Which part of the sternum do the second ribs articulate? - CORRECT ANSWER - Sternal
angle
Identify the preferred positioning factors to demonstrate an injury to the ribs found below the
diaphragm:
General body position:
Breathing instructions:
*****Recommended kV range: - CORRECT ANSWER - Recumbent
Expiration
Medium kV range 70-80 kV & 80-90kV for digital
An injury to the region of the 8th or 9th rib requires the ___(above/below) diaphragm technique -
CORRECT ANSWER - Above
To properly elongate and visualize the axillary aspect of the ribs, the patient's spine should be
rotated ___(toward/away from) the area of interest. - CORRECT ANSWER - Away from
Which projections (AP/PA and anterior/posterior oblique) should be performed for an injury to
the anterior aspect of the ribs? - CORRECT ANSWER - PA and anterior oblique (area of
interest closest to the IR)
Positioning UPDATED ACTUAL Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
True/False
It is virtually impossible to visualize the sternum with a direct PA or AP projection - CORRECT
ANSWER - True
Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the right axillary ribs?
1. RAO
2. RPO
3. LAO
4. LPO - CORRECT ANSWER - LAO
True/False
A large, "deep-chested" (hypersthenic) patient requires more obliquity for a frontal view of the
sternum as compared with a "thin-chested" (asthenic) patient. - CORRECT ANSWER -
False
Less obliquity
How much rotation should be used for the oblique position of the sternum for a large, "deep-
chested" patient? - CORRECT ANSWER - Approximately 15*
List the recommended ranges for the following analog exposure factors as they apply to an
oblique position of the sternum (orthostatic-breathing technique). - CORRECT
ANSWER - kV range: 65-70 kV (5-10kV higher for digital)
mA: high
Exposure time: high (2-3 sec) with orthostatic breathing technique
, What is the advantage of performing an orthostatic (breathing) technique for radiography of the
sternum? - CORRECT ANSWER - It blurs lung markings and ribs which improves the
visibility of the sternum
What is the primary reason that a SID of less than 40 inches should not be used for sternum
radiography? - CORRECT ANSWER - Increase patient dose, especially skin dose
How should the arms be positioned for an erect lateral projection of the sternum? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Drawn back
Which part of the sternum do the second ribs articulate? - CORRECT ANSWER - Sternal
angle
Identify the preferred positioning factors to demonstrate an injury to the ribs found below the
diaphragm:
General body position:
Breathing instructions:
*****Recommended kV range: - CORRECT ANSWER - Recumbent
Expiration
Medium kV range 70-80 kV & 80-90kV for digital
An injury to the region of the 8th or 9th rib requires the ___(above/below) diaphragm technique -
CORRECT ANSWER - Above
To properly elongate and visualize the axillary aspect of the ribs, the patient's spine should be
rotated ___(toward/away from) the area of interest. - CORRECT ANSWER - Away from
Which projections (AP/PA and anterior/posterior oblique) should be performed for an injury to
the anterior aspect of the ribs? - CORRECT ANSWER - PA and anterior oblique (area of
interest closest to the IR)
