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Flashcards in Intro to Imaging Deck (20)
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1
Q

How to radiographs work?

A

They visualize an image created by an x-ray traveling through the body structure

2
Q

Define attenuation

A

the degree to which the tissue absorbs or scatters the x-rays before they hit the recording medium

3
Q

What factors affect attenuation of a structure?

A

the thickness of the tissue it’s passing through, it’s atomic number, and the density of the tissue

4
Q

What does a higher attenuation signify?

A

The structure is more radiodense, the x-rays will pass through less, and more white will show on the medium

5
Q

What does a lower attenuation signify?

A

The structure is more radiolucent, x-rays will pass through to a greater extent, and the structure will appear blacker

6
Q

Give examples for different degrees of attenuation (1-4)

A

1: air
2: fat
3: water (muscles/soft tissue)
4: bone

7
Q

Define radiodense

A

absorbs and scatters the x-rays to the largest degree

8
Q

Define radiolucent

A

least attenuating

9
Q

Define radioopaque

A

Not naturally occurring in the body; high atomic numbers, highest in the radiodensity scale

10
Q

Define contrast

A

The degree to adjacent structures differ in attenuation

11
Q

How should the structure be oriented when taking the radiograph image?

A

Whatever’s being visualized should be closest to the recording medium (usually Anterior to Posterior)
P to A in feet, hands, and chest

12
Q

How should the radiograph be orientated when reading it?

A

should be viewed in correct anatomical position

view the hand and foot as taken, but view chest in anatomical position

13
Q

What does the position entail in imaging?

A

general and body position

14
Q

What does the projection entail in imaging?

A

Orientation of the structure:
either A to P, P to A, Lateral, or oblique
Never assess only one view

15
Q

When examining a radiograph, what factors are you assessing?

A
ABC's
Alignment
Bone density
Cartilage assessment
Soft tissue assessment
16
Q

What alignment factors are you observing?

A

size, number, shape, and contour

bone and joint positions

17
Q

What bone density factors are you observing?

A

Cortical bone should be bright white; fine white lines of tribeculae indicate normal, healthy bone

18
Q

What indicates poor bone density?

A

Sclerosis: increased whiteness than what is usual (lack of cartilage and bone on bone action)
Osteopenia: bone is less dense than it is supposed to be

19
Q

What factors are you looking for in cartilage assessment?

A

space b/w the joints should be radiolucent, equal and big

bone on bone is cartilage depletion

20
Q

What factors are you looking for in soft tissue assessment?

A

abnormal degree of contrast during trauma

fat pad sign: indicates joint fracture