An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Transpyloric plane
Halfway between the jugular notch and the upper border of the symphysis pubis.
Passes through the pylorus of the stomach at L1.
Transtubercular plane
Located midway between the transpyloric plane and the upper border of the symphysis pubis.
Passes through L5.
Right and left lateral planes
Located midway between the midsagittal plane and the corresponding ASIS.
Exposure factors for the Abdomen
Meduim kVp (70-80)
Short exposure time
Adequate mAs to sufficient density
Correctly exposed abdominal radiographs should faintly show...
lateral borders of the psoas muscles
lower liver margin
kidney outlines
lumbar vertebrae transverse processes
Where is the centering point for a KUB?
Select one:
D. iliac crest
What films are included in a three-way acute abdominal series?
Select one:
B. AP supine, erect or lateral decubitus, and PA chest
What landmark corresponds to the inferior margin of the abdomen?
Select one:
B. symphysis pubis
The lower margin of the radiograph on a KUB exam should include at least the superior portion of the arch of the ___________ ____________? (what body part, two words?)
Select one:
A. symphysis pubis
Are abdominal radiographs exposed on (inspiration or expiration)?
Select one:
a. inspiration
b. expiration
b. expiration
Gonadal shielding for abdominal radiography should be used for females:
Select one:
D. Only when such shields do not obsure essential anatomy
What thoracic level is the xiphoid tip at?
Select one:
C. T9-10
Is there a abdominal prep (i.e., NPO, laxative, etc.) that the patient must receive prior to a single KUB abdominal radiograph?
Select one:
a. Yes
b. No
b. No
How many minutes (minimum) should the patient be on his/her side prior to exposure for a lateral decubitus or upright projection?
Select one:
B. 5 minutes
What is the kVp range for abdominal radiography?
Select one:
A. 70-80
The iliac crest is at what vertebral level?
Select one:
C. L4-5
Which is most common, the AP or PA projection for a KUB?
Select one:
C. AP
What does "KUB" stand for?
Select one:
A. kidneys, ureters, and bladder
What is the most commonly used abdominal landmark?
Select one:
A. iliac crest
What landmark approximates the superior border of the abdomen?
Select one:
B. xiphoid
Where is the centering point for an erect abdomen radiograph?
Select one:
D. 1-2 inches above the iliac crest
What films are included in a two-way acute abdominal series?
Select one:
B. AP supine and erect or decubitus abdomen
Which lateral decubitus should be taken if the patient cannot stand for an erect abdomen?
Select one:
a. Right Lateral Decubitus
b. Left Lateral Decubitus
b. Left Lateral Decubitus
Should the diaphragm be visible on an erect abdominal film if a PA chest is not included in the series?
Select one:
a. of course not
b. definitely
b. definitely
Should the patient be instructed to hold the breath on inspiration or expiration during an erect abdominal film.
Select one:
B. expiration
What is the error in positioning on the radiograph labeled Fig. C3-48 on p. 123 Bontrager's?
Select one:
C. the film does not include the diaphragms
Which position of the abdomen would best show an aneurysm, calcification of the aorta, or umbilical hernia?
Select one:
F. Both C and D
The top of the film will be approximately at the level of the ____________? (when centering for a lateral decubitus abdomen)
Select one:
B. axilla
The costal margin is at which vertebral level?
Select one:
B. L2-3
Regarding this abdominal series, which radiograph would represent an erect abdomen:
Select one:
B. B
This radiograph was demonstrated in the Web review. It demonstrates a(an):
Select one:
C. volvulus
If there was barium in the colon it would be nearly impossible to rule out a kidney stone.
Select one:
True
False
True
The arrows (defined by the letter A) define the margin of what structure:
Select one:
C. psoas muscle
Volvulus is defined as an abnormal twisting of a segment of bowel on itself, around its longitudinal axis.
Select one:
True
False
True
This position would demonstrate possible "free air". The organ that would help visualize the air would be the liver.
Select one:
True
False
True
The kidneys are in the peritoneal space.
Select one:
True
False
False
Intraperitoneal Organs
Liver
Gallbladder
Spleen
Stomach
Jejunum
Ileum
Cecum
Transverse colon
Sigmoid colon
Retroperitoneal Organs
Kidneys
Ureters
Adrenal glands
Pancreas
C-loop of Duodenum
Ascending colon
Descending colon
Upper rectum
Aorta
Inferior vena ceva
Infraperitoneal (Pelvic) Organs
Lower rectum
Urinary bladder
Reproductive organs (Females)
RUQ organs
Liver
Gallblader
Right colic (hepatic) flexure
Duodenum
Head of Pancreas
Right kidney
Right suprarenal gland
LUQ organs
Spleen
Stomach
Left colic (splenic) flexure
Tail of Pancreas
Left kidney
Left suprarenal gland
RLQ organs
Ascending colon
Appendix (vermiform)
Cecum
2/3 of ileum
ileocecal valve
LLQ organs
Descending colon
Sigmoid colon
2/3 of jejunum
Nine Abdominal Regions
Right hypochondriac // Epigastric // Left hypochondriac
Right lateral (lumbar) // Umbilical // Left lateral (lumbar)
Right inguinal (iliac) // Pubic (hypogastric) // Left inguinal (iliac)
Mechanical obstructions (dynamic - with force)
Fibrous Adhesions - scar tissue from surgery
Intussuception - telescoping bowel
Volvulus - bowel twisting on itself.
Non-mechanical obstructions (Adynamic - without power)