CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

In which stomach position would the fundus appear full of barium while the duodenal bulb remains unobstructed?

1. Supine

2. Right Lateral

3. Left Lateral

4. Left Posterior Oblique (LPO)

The correct answer is: Left Posterior Oblique (LPO)

The appropriate stomach position in which the fundus appears full of barium while the duodenal bulb remains unobstructed is the Left Posterior Oblique (LPO) position. In this position, the patient lies on their left side, with the torso slightly rotated. This orientation benefits radiographic imaging as gravity helps to maintain the barium in the fundus, allowing for a clearer visualization. The duodenal bulb, which is situated just beneath the pylorus, remains unobstructed in this position, further allowing for a detailed examination of the gastric area. In this arrangement, the barium contrast agent pools in the fundus due to gravitational effects, highlighting any abnormalities while sparing the duodenal bulb from obstruction. The left lateral aspect of the stomach is best evaluated this way, enhancing the diagnostic quality of the imaging process. Other positions may not effectively highlight the fundus in the same manner or may result in the duodenal bulb being obscured by the barium-filled stomach. Therefore, the LPO position is distinctively suited for ensuring that the fundus is adequately filled with barium while allowing for unobstructed visualization of the duodenal bulb.