What should be done to ensure proper positioning in a sternum exam to avoid obscuring structures?

• A. Rotate the patient’s head during the exposure
• B. Ensure the shoulders are rolled back and down
• C. Use a larger collimation area
• D. Adjust the imaging receptor plane

Answer: (B)

In a sternum exam, ensuring that the shoulders are rolled back and down is crucial for obtaining a clear image of the sternum. This positioning technique helps to project the shoulders away from the sternum, minimizing their shadow and allowing for a more unobstructed view of the sternum itself. Proper shoulder positioning prevents overlap and helps to delineate the anatomical structures more clearly, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and assessment.

In this context, other methods, such as rotating the patient’s head, may not directly aid in positioning the shoulders properly. Similarly, using a larger collimation area is not specifically targeted towards addressing the obscuring of structures but rather affects the exposure and radiation dose. Adjusting the imaging receptor plane can also be important, but without the correct shoulder positioning, even the best receptor alignment may not compensate for the potential obstruction of the sternum by the shoulders. Thus, maintaining the correct shoulder position is vital in achieving optimal imaging results in a sternum examination.