RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING AND
RELATED ANATOMY
11TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)JOHN P. LAMPIGNANO
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Terminology and Positioning — Positioning Terminology
Question Stem
A radiographer must demonstrate both AP and lateral views of
a patient’s ankle. Which statement best explains why two
orthogonal projections are required?
Options
A. To reduce radiation dose by splitting exposure between two
projections.
B. To visualize fractures that may be hidden in one plane due to
superimposition.
C. To improve patient comfort during imaging.
D. To eliminate the need for a grid during extremity imaging.
,Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Orthogonal (perpendicular) projections are
required to visualize anatomy in two planes; this reduces
superimposition and helps detect fractures or
displacements not seen on a single projection, as
described in positioning terminology.
• A: Incorrect — taking two projections increases cumulative
exposure rather than reducing it.
• C: Incorrect — multiple projections generally do not
improve comfort and may increase discomfort.
• D: Incorrect — grid use is determined by part thickness
and SID, not by the number of projections.
Teaching Point
Orthogonal views reveal hidden pathology by depicting
anatomy in two planes.
Citation
Lampignano, J. P. (2024). Textbook of Radiographic Positioning
and Related Anatomy (11th Ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Terminology and Positioning — Positioning Terminology
,Question Stem
During a chest radiograph the tech is advised to perform a PA
rather than AP when possible. Which positioning term best
explains the primary benefit of a PA projection for chest
imaging?
Options
A. Distortion
B. Object-image receptor distance (OID)
C. Source-image receptor distance (SID)
D. Projection geometry
Correct Answer
D
Rationales
• Correct (D): Projection geometry encompasses the
relationship of CR, object, and image receptor; a PA chest
places the heart closer to the IR and reduces magnification
and distortion compared with AP, per positioning
terminology.
• A: Incorrect — distortion is a consequence, not the
explanatory positioning term.
• B: Incorrect — OID contributes to magnification but
doesn’t by itself capture the overall reason.
• C: Incorrect — SID affects magnification but projection
geometry more fully explains PA vs AP advantages.
, Teaching Point
Choose projections that optimize projection geometry to
minimize distortion and magnification.
Citation
Lampignano, J. P. (2024). Textbook of Radiographic Positioning
and Related Anatomy (11th Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Terminology and Positioning — Positioning Principles
Question Stem
A shoulder AP demonstrates apparent elongation of the
clavicle. Which positioning principle most likely caused this
artifact?
Options
A. Excessive SID
B. Misalignment of the part with the CR (angulation/obliquity)
C. Use of a grid for a thin body part
D. Collimation set too tightly
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Elongation occurs when the long axis of the
anatomy is not properly aligned with the CR or IR;
RELATED ANATOMY
11TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)JOHN P. LAMPIGNANO
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Terminology and Positioning — Positioning Terminology
Question Stem
A radiographer must demonstrate both AP and lateral views of
a patient’s ankle. Which statement best explains why two
orthogonal projections are required?
Options
A. To reduce radiation dose by splitting exposure between two
projections.
B. To visualize fractures that may be hidden in one plane due to
superimposition.
C. To improve patient comfort during imaging.
D. To eliminate the need for a grid during extremity imaging.
,Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Orthogonal (perpendicular) projections are
required to visualize anatomy in two planes; this reduces
superimposition and helps detect fractures or
displacements not seen on a single projection, as
described in positioning terminology.
• A: Incorrect — taking two projections increases cumulative
exposure rather than reducing it.
• C: Incorrect — multiple projections generally do not
improve comfort and may increase discomfort.
• D: Incorrect — grid use is determined by part thickness
and SID, not by the number of projections.
Teaching Point
Orthogonal views reveal hidden pathology by depicting
anatomy in two planes.
Citation
Lampignano, J. P. (2024). Textbook of Radiographic Positioning
and Related Anatomy (11th Ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Terminology and Positioning — Positioning Terminology
,Question Stem
During a chest radiograph the tech is advised to perform a PA
rather than AP when possible. Which positioning term best
explains the primary benefit of a PA projection for chest
imaging?
Options
A. Distortion
B. Object-image receptor distance (OID)
C. Source-image receptor distance (SID)
D. Projection geometry
Correct Answer
D
Rationales
• Correct (D): Projection geometry encompasses the
relationship of CR, object, and image receptor; a PA chest
places the heart closer to the IR and reduces magnification
and distortion compared with AP, per positioning
terminology.
• A: Incorrect — distortion is a consequence, not the
explanatory positioning term.
• B: Incorrect — OID contributes to magnification but
doesn’t by itself capture the overall reason.
• C: Incorrect — SID affects magnification but projection
geometry more fully explains PA vs AP advantages.
, Teaching Point
Choose projections that optimize projection geometry to
minimize distortion and magnification.
Citation
Lampignano, J. P. (2024). Textbook of Radiographic Positioning
and Related Anatomy (11th Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Terminology and Positioning — Positioning Principles
Question Stem
A shoulder AP demonstrates apparent elongation of the
clavicle. Which positioning principle most likely caused this
artifact?
Options
A. Excessive SID
B. Misalignment of the part with the CR (angulation/obliquity)
C. Use of a grid for a thin body part
D. Collimation set too tightly
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Elongation occurs when the long axis of the
anatomy is not properly aligned with the CR or IR;
