An AP chest projection that demonstrates the manubrium superimposing the third thoracic vertebra
A) can be improved by tilting the patient's upper midcoronal plane posteriorly.
B) was taken with the central ray angled toward the right side of the patient.
C) will also demonstrate horizontally running posterior ribs.
D) was taken with the central ray angled too cephalically.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the manubrium superimposes the third thoracic vertebra, it indicates that the central ray was angled too cephalically, resulting in the upper thoracic spine being foreshortened. Tilting the patient's upper midcoronal plane posteriorly may improve visualization of the upper thoracic spine, but it will not correct the positioning error seen in this image. Additionally, the superimposition of the manubrium and third thoracic vertebra does not necessarily indicate the presence of horizontally running posterior ribs. The fact that the central ray was angled toward the right side of the patient is not relevant to the positioning error seen in this image.

An AP Chest Projection That Demonstrates the Manubrium Superimposing the Third