CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which imaging position is best suited for demonstrating right-sided structures in the abdomen?

1. RAO

2. LPO

3. LAO

4. AP

The correct answer is: LPO

The left posterior oblique (LPO) position is particularly effective for visualizing right-sided structures in the abdomen due to its anatomical arrangement. When the patient is placed in the LPO position, the right side of the abdomen is elevated, allowing for improved visualization of the right kidney, right ureter, liver, gallbladder, and portions of the small bowel. This position minimizes superimposition of structures and leverages gravity to enhance the clarity of the images obtained from the right side. In the LPO position, the orientation of the x-ray beam and the patient's anatomy work together to optimize the visibility of the right-sided abdominal organs, especially for examinations where detail is crucial, such as in cases of trauma or disease processes affecting the liver or gallbladder. This strategic positioning is a standard practice in radiography to achieve clear and diagnostic quality images focused on a specific area of interest. Other positions may not provide the same level of visibility for right-sided structures due to differing degrees of superimposition or the angle at which the organs are presented to the x-ray beam. Thus, the LPO position is favored for such imaging needs.