What are the two causes of voluntary motion?
breathing, patient movement
Voluntary motion can best be prevented by
clear communication with the patient
What is the primary cause for involuntary motion in the abdomen
peristaltic action of the bowel
What is the best mechanism to control involuntary motion
short exposure time
true/false:
Because the liver is visible in the right upper quadrant of the
abdomen, it is not necessary to place a right or left anatomic side
marker on the cassette before exposure
FALSE
true/false:
For an adult abdomen, a collimation margin must be visible on all
four sides of the radiograph
FALSE
gonadal shielding should not be used during abdomen radiography if
it obscures essential anatomy
Gonadal shielding for _________ may be impossible for studies of the
lower abdominopelvic region.
females
gonadal shielding for females involves placing the top of the shield
at or slightly above the ________, with the bottom at the _________
ASIS
symphysis pubis
What exposure considerations would be most ideal for an AP abdomen of
an average size adult
70-80 kV
grid
40 inch SID (120 cm)
What technical considerations are essential when performing abdomen
studies on a young pediatric patient?
short exposure times
high speed IR
reduced kV and mAs
true/false:
A radiolucent pad should be placed underneath geriatric patients
for added comfort.
TRUE
with the use of iodinated contrast media, __________ is able to
distinguish between a simple cyst or tumor of the liver
CT
the preferred imaging modality for examining the gallbladder quickly is
ultrasound
What modality is being used to evaluate patients with appendicitis
ultrasound
pneumoperitoneum
free air or gas in the peritoneal cavity
ulcerative colitis
inflammatory condition of the colon
intussusception
telescoping of a section of bowel into another loop of bowel
ascites
abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
adynamic ileus
bowel obstruction caused by a lack of intestinal peristalsis
volvulus
a twisting of a loop of bowel creating an obstruction
Crohn's disease
chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall that may result in bowel obstruction
distended loops of air-filled small intestine
Crohn's disease
Air-filled "coiled spring" appearance
intussusception
general abnormal haziness
ascites
thin crest-shaped radiolucency underneath the diaphragm
pneumoperitoneum
deep air-filled mucosal protrusions of colon wall
ulcerative colitis
large amount of air trapped in sigmoid colon with a tapered narrowing
at the site of obstruction
volvulus
The central ray is centered to the level of the ________ for a supine
AP projection of the abdomen.
iliac crest
exposure for an AP projection of the abdomen should be taken on
end of full expiration
rotation can be determined on a KUB radiograph by the loss of
symmetric appearance of:
iliac wings
outer rib margin
obturator formina
ischial spines
Which type of body habitus may require two crosswise images to be
taken if the entire abdomen is to be included?
hypersthenic
true/false:
A tall asthenic patient may require two 14x17 inch IRs placed
lengthwise if the entire abdomen is to be included.
TRUE
true/false:
It is always acceptable during KUB imaging practice to indicate the
side of the body with a digital marker.
FALSE
Why is it recommended to take abdominal radiographs at the end of
patient expiration?
to increase the room for expansion of the abdominal organs
Which abdominal structure is not visible on a properly exposed KUB?
pancreas
Why may the PA projection of a KUB generally be less desirable than
the AP projection?
OID to kidneys
Which decubitus position of the abdomen best demonstrates
intraperitoneal air in the abdomen?
Left lateral
best for visualization of free air
Why should patient be placed in the decubitus position for a minimum
of 5 minutes before exposure?
To allow fluid to settle and air to rise
Which decubitus position best demonstrates possible aneurysms,
calcifications of the aorta, or umbilical hernias?
dorsal decubitus
which projection best demonstrates a possible aortic aneurysm in the
prevertebral region of the abdomen
lateral position
List the projections commonly performed for an acute abdominal series
or three-way abdomen series
PA chest
AP erect (or lateral decubitus)
AP supine
Which projection of the three way acute abdominal series best
demonstrates free air under the diaphragm?
Erect Abdomen
Which positioning routine should be used for an acute abdominal
series if the patient is too ill to stand?
lateral decubitus abdomen
What is the kV setting for PA, erect chest for free air under the diaphragm?
110-125
To ensure the diaphragm is included on an erect abdomen projection,
the central ray should be at the level of________, which places the
top of the 14x17 IR at the level of the _________.
2 inches (5cm) above iliac crest
axilla
What is the recommended overlap when using two crosswise images for
an AP projection of a supine abdomen of a broad hypersthenic-type patient?
2 inches (5cm) [3-5 cm]
What scale of contrast is recommended for visualization of the
abdominal structures on an abdominal x-ray?
Long scale