A PA chest projection that demonstrates the manubrium at the same level as the first thoracic vertebra
A) was obtained with the midcoronal plane tilted away from the IR.
B) was taken with a caudal angle accidentally left of the central ray.
C) was obtained with the patient rotated toward the right side.
D) will also demonstrate vertical clavicles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The manubrium being at the same level as the first thoracic vertebra indicates that the patient's midcoronal plane was parallel to the IR. In order for the manubrium to be at this level and still demonstrate the entire lung field, the central ray must have been angled approximately 3-5 degrees cephalad. Therefore, the only possible reason for the manubrium to be at the same level as the first thoracic vertebra would be if the midcoronal plane was tilted away from the IR, allowing the central ray to be angled appropriately. Choices B and C are incorrect because they suggest an error in central ray placement or patient positioning, which is not consistent with the desired outcome of demonstrating the manubrium and first thoracic vertebra at the same level. Choice D is not relevant to the question at hand.

A PA Chest Projection That Demonstrates the Manubrium at the Same