2-9.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE STEP 4: POSITIONING THE PATIENT
a. Patient Positioning. The fourth step of the order of procedure is to position
the patient it is the process of assisting the patient onto the X-ray table and into one of
the following positions: supine, prone, lateral, or oblique.
b. Part Position. Another component of positioning the patient is the placement
of a specific body part in relationship to the CR. The patient is turned moved around as
needed until the body part is centered with the CR. You must check for the correct
placement of the palpation point or anatomical part in relation to the cassette. You will
recall that the palpation point is the anatomical structure that serves as a landmark or
guide for correctly demonstrating the desired area of interest on the cassette. For
example, for an AP shoulder with internal rotation, the acromion process of the shoulder
must be placed 2 inches below the upper film border (figures 2-18 and 2-19) or you will
end up losing the required anatomy and have to repeat the X-ray to get a complete
radiograph.
palpation point: anatomical structure(s) that serve(s) as a landmark or guide for
correctly demonstrating the body part on the cassette.
Figure 2-18. For an AP shoulder with internal rotation, the acromion process must be
correctly placed or you will lose important anatomy.
MD0961
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