Basic Radiographic Techniques

Radiography Procedures

Materials Included

Text
Video
Anatomy
Simulation
Quiz

This module provides a thorough introduction to basic radiographic techniques, and demonstrates how to set up and perform an X-ray procedure.

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Radiographic technologists assist in the diagnosis and management of human illness by producing diagnostic images (also called radiographs or X-rays) of relevant patient anatomy. This module provides a thorough introduction to basic radiographic techniques, and demonstrates how to set up and perform an X-ray procedure. Including both practice and test modes, the online simulator offers two different patient scenarios, allowing you to learn and practice the steps involved in performing basic radiographic procedures. This module is an ideal resource if you are studying for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) registry exams, or if you are just interested in understanding the role of a radiographer.

You’ll learn

to identify common radiographic equipment and its uses
the importance of radiation protection for the patient and technologist
basic radiographic positions, terminology, and positioning methods
to practice and perfect your skills in preparing for and performing an X-ray procedure
to better visualize and understand the human anatomy, with our 3D anatomical model
basic techniques for obtaining optimal images
techniques for dealing with trauma and pediatric patients
how to care for the radiographic examining room
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 0.1 - Radiographic terminology

Step 0.1.1 - Body types

Step 0.1.2 - Terms describing curvature of the spine

Step 0.1.3 - Radiographic projections

Step 0.1.4 - Terms relating to image production

Step 0.2 - Osteology

Step 0.2.1 - Development of bones

Step 0.2.2 - Classification of bones

Step 0.3 - Arthrology

Step 1 - Overview

Step 1.1 - Orientation

Step 1.1.1 - Anatomical directions

Step 1.1.2 - Planes or body sections

Step 1.2 - Production of x-rays

Step 1.3 - Types of radiography

Step 1.3.1 - Conventional radiography

Step 1.3.2 - Computed radiography

Step 1.3.3 - Digital radiography

Step 1.3.4 - Picture archiving and communication systems

Step 1.4 - X-ray accessories

Step 1.4.1 - Lead blockers

Step 1.4.2 - Positioning aids

Step 1.4.3 - Compensatory filters

Step 1.4.4 - Measuring calipers

Step 2 - Preparation

Step 2.1 - Preprocedure considerations

Step 2.1.1 - Indications

Step 2.1.2 - Contraindications

Step 2.1.3 - Complications

Step 2.1.4 - Consent

Step 2.1.5 - Equipment

Step 2.1.6 - Special considerations

Step 2.2 - Equipment and room preparation

Step 2.2.1 - Start of day

Step 2.2.2 - Room set up

Step 2.3 - Patient preparation

Step 2.4 - Technologist preparation

Step 3 - Image receptor

Step 3.1 - Sizes

Step 3.2 - Bucky

Step 3.3 - Grid

Step 4 - Patient position

Step 4.1 - Body positions

Step 4.2 - Specific body positions

Step 4.3 - Terms related to patient movement

Step 4.4 - Anatomical landmarks for positioning

Step 5 - Central ray

Step 5.1 - Source image receptor distance

Step 6 - Collimation

Step 7 - Lead markers

Step 7.1 - Anatomic markers

Step 7.2 - Additional markers

Step 8 - Patient instructions

Step 9 - Exposure factors

Step 10 - Projections

Step 10.1 - Routine projections

Step 10.2 - Nonroutine projections

Step 10.2.1 - Special-use projection terms

Step 10.3 - Trauma projections

Step 10.4 - Pediatric projections

Step 10.4.1 - Neonate (less than 1 month old)

Step 10.4.2 - 0 to 4 years old

Step 10.4.3 - 5 years and older

Step 11 - Skeletal survey

Step 12 - Postprocedure

Step 12.1 - Viewing radiographic images

Step 12.2 - Other considerations

Step 13 - Professional considerations

Step 13.1 - Continuing professional development

- Discuss and utilize radiographic positioning terminology
- Discuss the care of the radiographic examining room
- Describe common radiographic positions
- Discuss the various approaches to dealing with trauma and pediatric patients
- Discuss basic radiographic positioning methods and steps
- Describe and identify radiographic equipment
- Describe positioning landmarks
- Describe and explain the significance of obtaining a pertinent patient history
- Describe and explain the technologists' role with respect to patient safety and ALARA
- Discuss the importance of radiation protection
- Discuss infection control and prevention
- Describe and explain the reason for patient breathing techniques in order to obtain optimum radiographic images
- Analyze the radiographs for quality and proper positioning criteria
- Explain the Patient's Bill of Rights, HIPAA Privacy Rule (HIPAA), and Patient Safety Act

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long