Upper Extremity Radiography Quiz

Which bone is located on the lateral side of the forearm?

• Ulna

• Radius

• Humerus

• Scapula

What is the standard central ray (CR) angulation for an AP projection of the elbow?

• 0 degrees

• 5 degrees cephalad

• 10 degrees caudad

• 15 degrees cephalad

Which carpal bone articulates with the first metacarpal to form the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb?

• Lunate

• Scaphoid

• Trapezium

• Capitate

Which projection best demonstrates the olecranon process of the ulna in profile?

• AP elbow

• Lateral elbow

• Oblique elbow (medial rotation)

• PA forearm

What is the primary purpose of using a grid during upper extremity radiography?

• To magnify the image

• To reduce scatter radiation

• To increase exposure time

• To decrease patient dose

A patient presents with a suspected scaphoid fracture. Which projection should be performed to best visualize this bone?

• PA wrist

• PA oblique wrist

• Ulnar deviation wrist

• Lateral wrist

When positioning for an AP projection of the humerus, which anatomical landmark should be parallel to the image receptor?

• Olecranon process

• Epicondylar line

• Radial tuberosity

• Coracoid process

A technologist is asked to obtain a lateral projection of the forearm. Which positioning error would result in superimposition of the radius and ulna?

• Arm fully extended

• Shoulder abducted

• Elbow flexed 90 degrees

• Hand pronated

Which adjustment should be made if a PA hand radiograph shows the phalanges foreshortened?

• Increase SID

• Flex the fingers more

• Extend the fingers fully

• Decrease kVp

A radiograph of the AP elbow shows the radial head superimposed over the ulna. What positioning correction should be made?

• Rotate the arm medially

• Rotate the arm laterally

• Flex the elbow more

• Extend the elbow fully