CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

If a patient cannot assume the RAO position, what alternative position can be used for the sternum?

1. Supine position

2. LAO position

3. LPO position

4. RPO position

The correct answer is: LPO position

When a patient is unable to assume the Right Anterior Oblique (RAO) position for imaging the sternum, the Left Posterior Oblique (LPO) position serves as a suitable alternative. This is because both positions are designed to provide a similar level of visualization of the sternum, despite being opposites in terms of body orientation. The LPO position allows the sternum to be projected free from the overlying structures of the heart and lungs. By angling the patient towards the left posterior, it helps in clearer imaging of the sternum while reducing superimposition from adjacent structures. In contrast, the other positions listed either do not achieve the same projection or may not provide optimal imaging of the sternum. The supine position flattens the anatomical structures, leading to potential overlapping. Similarly, the LAO (Left Anterior Oblique) and RPO (Right Posterior Oblique) positions may not offer the same effective visualization of the sternum compared to the LPO, as they would project the sternum differently, potentially obscuring critical anatomical details. Thus, the LPO position is the most appropriate alternative for adequately imaging the sternum when the RAO is not feasible.