CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which radiographic position is best for demonstrating perforation of the intestines?

1. Upright or decubitus

2. Supine position

3. Prone position

4. Seated position

The correct answer is: Upright or decubitus

To effectively demonstrate perforation of the intestines, the upright or decubitus position is the most suitable choice. In these positions, air can rise to the topmost part of the abdominal cavity, allowing for the visualization of free air under the diaphragm, which is crucial in identifying perforations. When dealing with perforations, the presence of free air indicates that air has escaped from the gastrointestinal tract into the peritoneal cavity, often necessitating immediate medical intervention. The upright position allows radiographers to distinguish between free air and fluid levels within the abdominal cavity easily, as free air tends to rise above any fluid. Similarly, the left lateral decubitus position is beneficial for identifying free air, particularly on the right side where air above liquid can be visualized. In contrast, the supine position does not allow for optimal visualization of free air since any air would remain in the same plane as the intestines and would not rise to the superior aspect of the abdomen. The prone position may also obscure free air, as it enables air to remain trapped under the intestines rather than rising to the diaphragm. The seated position typically does not lend itself to sufficient imaging of abdominal structures for this specific purpose, as it does not provide the same clarity regarding