CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

To correct the positioning problem in a PA oblique hand radiograph where the third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals are slightly superimposed, what should be done?

1. Spread the fingers out further

2. Increase the obliquity of the hand

3. Form a tight fist with the fingers

4. Decrease the obliquity of the hand

The correct answer is: Decrease the obliquity of the hand

In order to correctly obtain a PA oblique radiograph of the hand, achieving the right amount of obliquity is crucial for visualizing the structures without superimposition. When the third, fourth, and fifth metacarpals are slightly superimposed, the issue is generally related to the angle at which the hand is positioned. Decreasing the obliquity helps to separate these metacarpals more effectively, allowing for better visualization of the individual bones and joint spaces. By reducing the angle of rotation, the more lateral aspects of these metacarpals can be viewed more clearly, thereby reducing any overlap that may have occurred in the original image. The other options would likely exacerbate the superimposition rather than help correct it. For example, spreading the fingers further could introduce more complexity in the positioning, rather than fixing the overlap issue. Increasing the obliquity would further overlap the structures and make them harder to visualize. Similarly, forming a tight fist might bring the metacarpals closer together and lead to more superimposition, which would not resolve the initial problem.