CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

In the right posterior oblique position (RPO), which kidney will be parallel with the plane of the IR?

1. Right

2. Left

3. Both kidneys

4. No kidneys

The correct answer is: Left

In the right posterior oblique position (RPO), the left kidney comes into alignment parallel with the plane of the image receptor (IR). This positioning is significant in radiography as it helps to minimize distortion and improve the visualization of the kidneys. When in RPO, the right side of the body is rotated posteriorly, which elevates the left kidney and creates a direct pathway for x-ray beams to interact with the left kidney more effectively. As a consequence, this positioning allows for better diagnostic imaging of the left kidney, showcasing its structure and potential pathologies more clearly while also providing a clearer separation from surrounding structures like the right kidney and the spine. To clarify the reasoning regarding the alternatives provided: the right kidney would be less parallel to the IR due to its relative position in this oblique view, which is angled away from the receptor. In contrast, stating that both kidneys or no kidneys are parallel would not accurately describe the anatomical alignment achieved in this specific position.