What is the recommended oblique projection and position for the best demonstration of the esophagus?

Insertion of an endotracheal tube into the esophagus is an infrequent but life-threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. This complication is difficult to detect on standard, anteroposterior, portable chest radiographs because the incorrectly placed endotracheal tube is usually projected over the tracheal air column. To evaluate the use of chest radiographs to detect the malposition, we performed a two-part study. First, we analyzed the findings on chest radiographs in six patients in whom an endotracheal tube had been inserted in the esophagus, and then we analyzed 328 portable chest radiographs of patients with both endotracheal and nasogastric tubes to determine the best radiographic position for identifying the exact location of an endotracheal tube. The findings in the six patients included projection of the tube lateral to the trachea (five patients), gastric distension (four patients), esophageal air (two patients), and deviation of the trachea by the balloon cuff (one patient). The study of the portable chest radiographs showed that the endotracheal tube position could be identified correctly in 81 (92%) of 88 of the films made with the patient in a 25 degrees right posterior oblique position. The trachea and esophagus were superimposed in 25 (96%) of 26 of the radiographs made with the head turned to the left and with the patient in a 25 degrees left posterior oblique projection. Our results show that by positioning patients for chest radiographs in a 25 degrees right posterior oblique position, the location of endotracheal tubes can be identified accurately.

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Term

The routinely used methods of examining the stomach include: 1.) no contrast 2.) single contrast
3.) double contrast

Definition

2.) single contrast
3.) double contrast

Term

Which of the following are components of the alimentary canal?
1.) mouth and pharynx 2.) stomach and intestine
3.) liver and pancreas

Definition

1.) mouth and pharynx
2.) stomach and intestine

Term

What is the respiration phase for an AP abdominal radiograph done in the supine position?

Definition

Term

Functions of the gallbladder include: 1.) storing bile 2.) concentrating bile
3.) storing cholecystokinin

Definition

1.) storing bile
2.) concentrating bile

Term

What is the respiration phase for all projections of the biliary tract?

Definition

Term

Which quadrant does the liver lies in?

Definition

Term

The most commonly performed abdominal examination is referred to as a(n):

Definition

Term

Where is the center of the IR positioned for an upright PA abdominal radiograph?

Definition

2 inches above the iliac crests

Term

A properly exposed abdominal radiograph will exhibit the: 1.) psoas muscles 2.) lower border of the liver
3.) transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae

Definition

1.) psoas muscles
2.) lower border of the liver
3.) transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae

Term

Which of the following organs lie in the abdominal cavity? 1.) stomach 2.) gallbladder
3.) kidneys

Definition

1.) stomach
2.) gallbladder
3.) kidneys

Term

Where is the center of the IR positioned for an AP abdominal radiograph done in the supine position?

Definition

Term

The patient "prep" for a morning stomach examination is:

Definition

food and fluid are withheld after midnight

Term

Functions of the stomach include: 1.) storage of food 2.) absorption of food products
3.) chemical breakdown of food

Definition

1.) storage of food

3.) chemical breakdown of food

Term

What is the average degree of body rotation for an AP oblique projection of the stomach and duodenum?

Definition

Term

Which of the following are essential oblique projections of the stomach and duodenum? 1.) AP projection, LPO 2.) PA projection, RAO
3.) PA projection, LAO

Definition

1.) AP projection, LPO
2.) PA projection, RAO

Term

Which projection of the stomach would best demonstrate a diaphragmatic herniation?

Definition

AP, Trendelenburg’s position

Term

What is the recommended general body position for a radiographic series of the esophagus?

Definition

Term

How much lower should the IR be positioned when the upright position is used for projections of the stomach?

Definition

Term

For which projection of the stomach would a positioning sponge be used?

Definition

Term

Which of the following are the essential projections for an esophagus series? 1.) AP or PA 2.) lateral
3.) PA oblique

Definition

1.) AP or PA
2.) lateral
3.) PA oblique

Term

Which of the following are prime considerations in producing an optimal radiograph of the abdomen?

1.) apply compression 2.) explain the breathing procedure to the patient
3.) do not start the exposure for 1 to 2 seconds after suspension of respiration

Definition

2.) explain the breathing procedure to the patient
3.) do not start the exposure for 1 to 2 seconds after suspension of respiration

Term

Which plane is positioned to the center of the grid for the lateral projection of the stomach and duodenum?

Definition

a plane passing midway between the midcoronal plane and the anterior surface of the abdomen

Term

A specific radiographic examination of the biliary ducts is termed:

Definition