An ambulatory patient comes to radiology with a clinical history of possible pneumonia.The patient complains of pain in the center of her chest.What positioning routine should be performed on this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's clinical history of possible pneumonia and complaint of pain in the center of the chest indicate that a chest X-ray is needed to evaluate the lungs and surrounding structures. The most appropriate positioning routine for chest X-rays is the PA and left lateral projections, which show the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures in a clear manner. The AP projection and right lateral projections are less useful because they show less detail and can cause distortion of the anatomical structures. The decubitus projections are helpful for detecting fluid levels or air-fluid levels but are not routinely performed for evaluation of pneumonia.

An Ambulatory Patient Comes to Radiology with a Clinical History