CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

When conducting radiography for a suspected pneumothorax, which position assists in diagnosing?

1. Supine position

2. Upright and lateral decubitus

3. Prone position

4. Trendelenburg position

The correct answer is: Upright and lateral decubitus

The upright and lateral decubitus position is particularly effective for diagnosing a pneumothorax because it allows for the accumulation of air to be visualized more clearly. In this position, the patient is either standing upright or lying on one side, which helps differentiate between free air and fluid in the pleural space. When a patient with a pneumothorax is positioned upright, any air that has accumulated will rise to the highest point in the pleural cavity, making it visible on the radiograph. In the lateral decubitus position, gravity aids in the separation of air and fluid, allowing for an accurate assessment of the pleural space. This positioning technique ensures that small amounts of air can be detected that might not be visible in other positions. In contrast, the supine position may lead to a more challenging interpretation of radiographs as the air might not separate from other structures effectively, making it harder to diagnose. The prone position can also obscure the air and lead to misinterpretation of the findings. The Trendelenburg position, where the patient's legs are elevated higher than the head, is not suited for visualizing pleural effusions or pneumothorax, as it can further complicate the anatomical view needed for accurate assessment.