CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

In a PA position, what is the correct action for demonstrative anterior ribs?

1. Turn affected side toward IR

2. Turn unaffected side away from IR

3. Keep patient in the current position

4. Adjust the breathing technique

The correct answer is: Turn unaffected side away from IR

The correct approach for demonstrating the anterior ribs in a PA (Posteroanterior) position involves turning the unaffected side away from the image receptor (IR). This positioning allows for clearer visualization of the ribs of interest—the anterior ribs. When the unaffected side is turned away, the affected side is placed closer to the IR, which minimizes superimposition from structures such as the spine and enhances the clarity of the visualized ribs. In this position, the patient is generally instructed to take a deep breath in and hold it, which expands the thoracic cavity and elevates the diaphragm, providing more distinct outlines of the ribs. This technique is crucial for achieving optimal imaging results, as it ensures that the anterior ribs are prominently displayed without obstruction from adjacent anatomy. For effective imaging, the other options, such as turning the affected side towards the IR or keeping the patient in the current position, would not be ideal for visualizing the anterior ribs adequately. Adjusting the breathing technique, while important for rib imaging, is not the primary action related to positioning in a PA view, as the focus here is specifically on the orientation of the patient relative to the IR.