Many people would assume that performing radiographic examinations is a simple task. However, this is not the case, there are multiple factors that need to be considered when a technologist is attempting to obtain adequate radiographic images. Between didactic and clinical instruction students such as myself are learning to recognize the importance of these factors. By extension, we are learning when and why adjustments to key factors are required. Accordingly, my Instructors have stressed the need for critical thinking skills in the clinical setting. In order to understand this key skill, I will review an exam discussing the factors and skills required to achieve the highest quality radiographs possible. Currently, I am assigned to the
…show more content…
This factor was clearly demonstrated by our Clinical Instructor in several ways. When the patient was bought into the examination room she was first asked if she was able to stand, to which she responded with, “Yes”. Coupled with this the wheelchair that was used to transport her to department was left in close proximity to the patient during the erect images to allow the patient to quickly be seated should the need arise. To emphasize this factor, the instructor asked the patient about the status of her condition several times throughout the examination. Also, several images were necessary in the erect positon that required breathing instructions. Specifically, inspiration and expiration images were needed to demonstrate all of the patient’s anatomy in question. Due to the fact that the patient was experiencing pain in the thorax, the Instructor simply ask the patient to take breaths as deeply as possible, to avoid any further irritation or discomfort to the …show more content…
First, four images were taken in the erect position, two each of the upper and lower ribs. Both and upper and lower image was taken in the posteroanterior projection and then then two in the anteroposterior projection. Two images of each projection are imperative to thoroughly visualize all the ribs of the bony thorax. Additionally, two images in the oblique (RAO?RPO) position were taken of the affected side, one each of the upper and lower ribs. Next, another four images were taken of the patient’s right foot. An images of the foot was captured in the dorsoplantar or anteroposterior projection. Then, two anteroposterior oblique images were taken, one with a medial rotation and the other with a lateral rotation. The final image of the foot was taken in the lateral position with a mediolateral projection. With regard to the image projections both the tube angulation and source to image receptor distance (SID) play a role in creating an accurate image. For this patients images the tube head was place at a 40’ inch distance for all of the exposures taken of the thorax. Although, the images taken of the patient’s foot were also located at this distance a slight angulation of the tube head was also required for both the AP and oblique positions. The angulation of the tube was just under five degrees this degree of angulation was used to open up the joint spaces of the
This factor was clearly demonstrated by our Clinical Instructor in several ways. When the patient was bought into the examination room she was first asked if she was able to stand, to which she responded with, “Yes”. Coupled with this the wheelchair that was used to transport her to department was left in close proximity to the patient during the erect images to allow the patient to quickly be seated should the need arise. To emphasize this factor, the instructor asked the patient about the status of her condition several times throughout the examination. Also, several images were necessary in the erect positon that required breathing instructions. Specifically, inspiration and expiration images were needed to demonstrate all of the patient’s anatomy in question. Due to the fact that the patient was experiencing pain in the thorax, the Instructor simply ask the patient to take breaths as deeply as possible, to avoid any further irritation or discomfort to the …show more content…
First, four images were taken in the erect position, two each of the upper and lower ribs. Both and upper and lower image was taken in the posteroanterior projection and then then two in the anteroposterior projection. Two images of each projection are imperative to thoroughly visualize all the ribs of the bony thorax. Additionally, two images in the oblique (RAO?RPO) position were taken of the affected side, one each of the upper and lower ribs. Next, another four images were taken of the patient’s right foot. An images of the foot was captured in the dorsoplantar or anteroposterior projection. Then, two anteroposterior oblique images were taken, one with a medial rotation and the other with a lateral rotation. The final image of the foot was taken in the lateral position with a mediolateral projection. With regard to the image projections both the tube angulation and source to image receptor distance (SID) play a role in creating an accurate image. For this patients images the tube head was place at a 40’ inch distance for all of the exposures taken of the thorax. Although, the images taken of the patient’s foot were also located at this distance a slight angulation of the tube head was also required for both the AP and oblique positions. The angulation of the tube was just under five degrees this degree of angulation was used to open up the joint spaces of the