CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

In a lateral sternum view, if the left and right anterior ribs are not superimposed and the right thorax is rotated anteriorly, what should be done?

1. Rotate patient's left side back

2. Rotate patient's right side back

3. Adjust vertical alignment

4. Change patient position

The correct answer is: Rotate patient's right side back

The situation describes a lateral sternum view where the left and right anterior ribs are not superimposed, indicating that the thorax is rotated. In a true lateral position, the ribs should appear superimposed because they are viewed from the side, providing optimal visualization of the sternum without overlap. When the right thorax is rotated anteriorly, it creates a gap between the anterior ribs, and adjustments need to be made to achieve the correct positioning. To correct this discrepancy and realign the thorax into a true lateral position, the patient's right side needs to be rotated back, which will help to align the structures properly. This adjustment would allow for an improved lateral projection of the sternum and a more accurate representation of the thoracic anatomy. Adjusting vertical alignment or changing patient position may be relevant in other scenarios, but in this case, the primary concern is ensuring that the thorax is properly aligned laterally by addressing the specific rotational issue. Rotating the patient's right side back directly targets the identified problem of anterior rotation, ensuring the best possible image quality for diagnostic purposes.