CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which position is best to demonstrate pleural effusion of the right lung if the patient is unable to stand?

1. Left lateral decubitus

2. Right lateral decubitus

3. Supine

4. Prone

The correct answer is: Right lateral decubitus

The most effective position to demonstrate pleural effusion of the right lung when a patient is unable to stand is indeed the right lateral decubitus position. In this position, the patient lies on their right side, allowing gravity to help any fluid that may have accumulated in the pleural space to settle in the posterior aspect of the thoracic cavity. Radiologically, this positioning enhances the visualization of the pleural effusion because the fluid will typically layer out on the lateral side of the patient, making it more apparent on the resulting imaging. When the patient is in the right lateral decubitus position, the density difference between the fluid and the lung tissue provides a clear contrast on an X-ray. This contrast is crucial for accurately detecting and assessing the extent of the pleural effusion. Thus, utilizing this position enables radiographers to obtain the most diagnostically useful imaging in the absence of standing capabilities.