CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which imaging technique might be improved by utilizing a breathing technique?

1. Thoracic spine lateral

2. Lateral cervicothoracic projection

3. Cranial x-ray

4. Pelvic x-ray

The correct answer is: Lateral cervicothoracic projection

Utilizing a breathing technique can enhance the quality of imaging for specific anatomical regions, particularly in areas where motion can obscure the details of the structures being examined. In the context of the lateral cervicothoracic projection, employing a breathing technique helps to minimize motion artifacts from respiration, which can lead to clearer and more defined images of the cervical and thoracic spine. By instructing the patient to take a deep breath and hold it during the exposure, the technologist can stabilize the region of interest, reducing the likelihood of blurring from the natural movement of the patient's breathing. This is particularly important in this projection due to the close proximity of vital structures and the need to visualize the cervicothoracic junction accurately. In contrast, while techniques such as thoracic spine lateral, cranial x-ray, and pelvic x-ray all have their own considerations, they do not typically benefit as significantly from breathing techniques. The thoracic spine may still experience some motion artifacts, but the anatomical layout and the radiation field tend to differ from the cervicothoracic area. Cranial x-rays and pelvic x-rays generally do not pose the same challenge with respiratory motion, making them less suited for improvements through breathing techniques. Thus, the lateral cervicoth