Ribs

The xiphoid process corresponds to vertebral level

• T8

• T9-T10

• T12

• L2

Which pair of ribs attaches to the sternum at the level of the sternal angle?

• 1st rib

• 2nd rib

• 3rd rib

• 4th rib

How much is the patient obliqued for an oblique rib projection?

• 30 degrees

• 45 degrees

• 70 degrees

• 90 degrees

Which ribs are considered floating ribs

• ribs 8 thru 10

• ribs 1 thru 7

• ribs 9 and 10

• ribs 11 and 12

Answer explanation

Ribs 1-7 are considered true ribs

Ribs 8-12 are false ribs

Ribs 11-12 are false AND floating ribs

What breathing instructions are given to the patient when doing an x-ray of the ribs above the diaphragm?

• Inspiration

• Expiration

• Breathe Normal

With proper inspiration how many ribs should be seen above the diaphragm?

• 5

• 8

• 10

• 12

Answer explanation

With proper inspiration there should be 10 ribs visible but sometimes a patient is unable to take the proper inspiration due to pain that may only 8 or 9 are visible.

Lower ribs should show ribs 8-12 with proper expiration

Allie has right anterior chest pain after she was kicked by a horse. Which views should be done of her upper ribs? (pick 2)

• AP

• PA

• RPO

• LAO

Which views should be done for Allie's lower ribs after she was kicked by a horse and has right anterior rib pain? (pick 2)

• AP

• PA

• LAO

• RPO

Heather fell while running and has right posterior rib pain. Which views would be done for her upper rib series? (pick 2)

• AP

• PA

• RPO

• LAO

Which views would be taken for Heather's lower rib series if she has right posterior rib pain? (pick 2)

• AP

• PA

• RPO

• LAO