CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

For a patient with acute abdominal pain and a recent hip replacement, which imaging series should be obtained?

1. A supine chest, a supine abdomen and a dorsal decubitus abdomen

2. An upright PA chest, an upright abdomen and a supine abdomen

3. An AP sitting chest, a supine abdomen and a dorsal decubitus abdomen

4. A supine chest, a supine abdomen and a left lateral decubitus abdomen

The correct answer is: An AP sitting chest, a supine abdomen and a dorsal decubitus abdomen

In cases of acute abdominal pain, it is crucial to evaluate not only the abdomen but also to assess for any potential complications, especially in patients who have undergone recent surgeries, such as hip replacements. Option C includes an AP sitting chest, which can help visualize any potential thoracic complications, such as pneumonia or fluid levels in the chest that could refer pain to the abdomen. The supine abdomen will provide details about the gastrointestinal tract, while the dorsal decubitus abdomen can reveal free air or fluid in the abdominal cavity, aiding in the diagnosis of perforations or other acute abdominal conditions. This combination of imaging peaks in providing comprehensive information about both the abdomen and the thoracic region, which is essential in this specific clinical context. In contrast, other answers may include x-rays that do not fully capture the required views for diagnosing potential complications relevant to both the abdominal and thoracic areas. Each selected view in option C has a clear purpose, making this option the best choice for the scenario provided.