Week 6: Session 12 – Final Review and Q&A

Text Explanation for Session 12

1. Comprehensive Review of Key Concepts

• Radiographic Positioning:

  • Review correct positioning techniques for common procedures, including chest, abdomen, and extremity X-rays. Pay particular attention to anatomical landmarks and the reasons for using specific projections.

  • For example, in chest radiography, the PA view is preferred to minimize heart magnification, and the lateral view is used to visualize the depth of thoracic structures. For extremities, ensure that you understand the positioning for AP, lateral, and oblique views.

• Anatomy Review:

  • Focus on key anatomical structures visible in radiographs. In chest X-rays, be able to identify the lungs, heart, diaphragm, and ribs. For abdominal X-rays, review the positions of the liver, stomach, intestines, and bladder. For extremities, review the bones of the upper and lower limbs.

  • Understand how to identify fractures, dislocations, and other abnormalities on radiographs.

• Radiation Safety:

  • Reinforce the principles of radiation protection: ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), the importance of shielding, and minimizing exposure through proper positioning and technique.

  • Review dose limits for both patients and radiologic personnel, and understand how to use personal dosimeters.

2. Common Pitfalls in Radiography

• Positioning Errors:

  • Incorrect positioning is one of the most common errors in radiography. This can lead to repeated exposures, which increases the radiation dose to the patient. For example, if the patient is rotated in a chest X-ray, the heart may appear enlarged, leading to a misdiagnosis.

  • Always ensure that the patient is properly aligned with the image receptor and that the area of interest is fully included in the X-ray.

• Exposure Errors:

  • Overexposure and underexposure are frequent problems. Overexposed images are too dark and lose detail in soft tissues, while underexposed images are too light and lack contrast. Understanding the relationship between kVp, mAs, and image quality is crucial for avoiding these errors.

• Artifacts:

  • Artifacts are any unwanted objects or distortions in the image that are not part of the anatomy being examined. Common artifacts include motion blur, foreign objects (e.g., jewelry or buttons), and double exposures.

  • Ensure that patients remove any metal objects and remain still during the exposure to avoid artifacts.

3. Final Q&A Session

• Clarifying Difficult Topics:

  • This is the time to clarify any topics you are still unsure about. Ask questions related to radiographic positioning, exposure settings, or radiation safety practices that you may find challenging.

  • Take advantage of this session to ensure that all your doubts are addressed before the exam.

• Tips for Success:

  • Stay Calm and Focused: Stress management is key to success during the final exam. Remember that you have prepared well, and approach each question methodically.

  • Trust Your Knowledge: Trust the knowledge you have gained throughout the course. If you come across a difficult question, rely on the fundamental principles you have learned.