When radiographing ribs below the diaphragm, how should the patient suspend respiration?

When radiographing ribs below the diaphragm, how should the patient suspend respiration?

• A. Inspiration
• B. Expiration
• C. Hold breath mid-exhalation
• D. Deep inspiration

Answer: (B)

When imaging ribs below the diaphragm, the diaphragm should be moved up and kept relatively still during the exposure. This is achieved by suspending respiration at expiration. Elevating the diaphragm reduces overlap from the abdominal contents and minimizes motion blur, giving clearer visualization of the lower ribs. Inspiration lowers the diaphragm and can cause the shadow of the diaphragm to interfere with the lower ribs, making them harder to see. Holding the breath mid-exhalation may not consistently fix the diaphragm in the desired position, and deep inspiration would worsen the interference from the diaphragm and abdominal organs.

When imaging ribs below the diaphragm, the diaphragm should be moved up and kept relatively still during the exposure. This is achieved by suspending respiration at expiration. Elevating the diaphragm reduces overlap from the abdominal contents and minimizes motion blur, giving clearer visualization of the lower ribs.

Inspiration lowers the diaphragm and can cause the shadow of the diaphragm to interfere with the lower ribs, making them harder to see. Holding the breath mid-exhalation may not consistently fix the diaphragm in the desired position, and deep inspiration would worsen the interference from the diaphragm and abdominal organs.