CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

How should the acanthioparietal projection be modified for a patient unable to hyperextend their neck?

1. Increase the exposure time to capture the image better.

2. Adjust the CR to enter the acanthion with a cephalic angle.

3. Utilize a different angle of projection entirely.

4. Position the patient supine to alleviate neck strain.

The correct answer is: Adjust the CR to enter the acanthion with a cephalic angle.

The acanthioparietal projection requires an adjustment to the central ray (CR) when a patient is unable to hyperextend their neck. In this scenario, modifying the projection involves angling the CR to enter the acanthion with a cephalic angle. By doing this, the radiographer can still achieve the necessary anatomy visualization without requiring the patient to assume an uncomfortable position. The cephalic angle compensates for the lack of neck extension, ensuring that the required structures are properly imaged. Utilizing different angles of projection or positioning the patient supine might not provide the necessary clarity or detail required for the specific views typically obtained with the acanthioparietal projection. Likewise, simply increasing exposure time may not solve the problem of neck discomfort and could lead to other issues, such as motion artifacts or overexposure. Thus, adjusting the CR is the most effective way to accommodate the patient's needs while still capturing the necessary diagnostic information.