How is rotation evident on a lateral projection of the skull? - ANSWER Anterior and posterior
separation of symmetric vertical bilateral structures.
Where is the CR centered for a lateral projection of the cranium? - ANSWER Two inches (5 cm)
superior to EAM
What is the difference, in degrees, between the infraorbitomeatal and orbitomeatal lines? -
ANSWER 7° to 8°
Which one of the following technical considerations is most critical for demonstrating air and/or
fluid levels within the cranium? - ANSWER Horizontal x-ray beam
A radiograph of a lateral projection of the cranium reveals that the orbital roofs (plates) are not
superimposed—one is slightly superior to the other. Which of the following positioning errors
led to this radiographic outcome? - ANSWER Tilt
A radiograph of a lateral cranium reveals that the mentum was cut off from the bottom of the
radiograph. A 24 × 30-cm (10 × 12-inch) IR was used, and it was placed crosswise. What must be
altered if a repeat exposure is performed? - ANSWER None of the above; all of the structures
were demonstrated.
A patient comes to radiology for a routine study of the cranium. He is unable to flex his head
and neck sufficiently to place the OML perpendicular to the IR for the AP axial projection. What
should the technologist do to compensate for this problem without creating excessive
, magnification of the occipital bone? - ANSWER Use the IOML and increase angulation by 7
degrees
A patient enters the emergency department (ED) with a possible basilar skull fracture. Which of
the following skull projections would best demonstrate any blood present in the sphenoid
sinus? - ANSWER Horizontal beam lateral projection
A patient comes to radiology with a possible bone cyst within the squamous portion of the
frontal bone. Which of the following projections would best demonstrate this region with a
minimal amount of distortion of the frontal bone? - ANSWER PA with no CR angulation to OML
The submentovertex projection requires that the inferior OML (IOML) is placed parallel to the
image receptor. T/F - ANSWER True
What projection of the skull requires the sagittal plane to be parallel to the image receptor (IR)
and the interpupillary line to be perpendicular to the IR? - ANSWER lateral
A radiograph of a posteroanterior (PA) axial projection (Caldwell method) of the cranium reveals
that the petrous ridges are located at the level of the lower one third of the orbits. The
technologist performed this projection with the CR angled 15° caudal to the orbitomeatal line
(OML). How must positioning be altered if a repeat exposure is performed? - ANSWER
positioning was correct ( do nothing)
Which one of the following cranial projections will best demonstrate a possible basilar fracture?
- ANSWER horizontal x-ray beam
Which positioning line should be perpendicular to the plane of the IR for the AP axial (Towne)
projection with a 37° caudad CR angle? - ANSWER IOML
Which bone is involved with a tripod fracture? - ANSWER zygomatic