CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

If a patient was positioned incorrectly during an imaging procedure, what is the typical result?

1. Optimal imaging quality

2. Foreshortening of structures

3. Perfect alignment

4. Clear visibility

The correct answer is: Foreshortening of structures

When a patient is positioned incorrectly during an imaging procedure, the typical result is foreshortening of structures. This occurs because improper alignment can cause the anatomical structures being imaged to appear disproportionately smaller than their actual size. Foreshortening primarily happens because the x-ray beam is not perpendicular to the object being imaged, affecting the projection of the anatomical features. For instance, if a limb is not adequately aligned with the imaging receptor, its length can appear shorter than it truly is. This misrepresentation can lead to challenges in diagnosing and identifying conditions accurately, thus highlighting the importance of proper patient positioning for optimal imaging outcomes. Optimal imaging quality, perfect alignment, and clear visibility are typically achieved through correct patient positioning and technique. When positioning is compromised, those outcomes cannot be realized, making foreshortening the most likely result of improper patient placement during an imaging procedure.