Course Description
The goal of this course is to cover digital radiography (DR) of the abdomen comprehensively. The course will begin by reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the abdomen, topographical bony landmarks used for positioning, body planes, body habitus, abdominal quadrants, and clinical considerations related to disease process and pathology. Next, patient preparation, radiation protection, breathing instructions, and marker placement will be discussed. Digital technology (computed radiography and DR systems), image capture, technical factors, patient and abdomen positioning, central ray placement, tube-part-image receptor alignment, and digital image evaluation criteria for all types of abdomen positions and projections, including anteroposterior supine and erect, posteroanterior supine, lateral decubitus, acute abdominal series, lateral, and dorsal decubitus. This course will conclude with a review of digital imaging of the abdomen/chest for the evaluation of nasogastric tube placement. Written and video-based educational components are included throughout.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• DEFINE and IDENTIFY anatomy and physiology relevant to the abdomen.
• IDENTIFY bony landmarks used in positioning for radiography of the abdomen and explain their purpose.
• DESCRIBE body planes, body habitus, and abdominal quadrants relevant to digital radiography (DR) of the abdomen.
• DISCUSS clinical indications related to pathology and disease processes that must be considered when performing DR of the abdomen.
• SUMMARIZE how patient preparation, radiation protection, breathing instructions, and marker placement impacts the imaging examination process.
• DESCRIBE in detail the digital technology used (computed radiography and DR systems) and the image capture process.
• DESCRIBE the optimal technical factors, correct positioning of patient and abdomen, appropriate central ray placement, correct tube-part-image receptor (IR) alignment, and optimal IR size for all types of digital abdomen positions and projections.
• DESCRIBE and IDENTIFY appropriate image evaluation criteria for all types of digital abdomen positions and projections on final DR images.
• UNDERSTAND digital imaging of the abdomen/chest for confirming placement of a nasogastric tube.

Category: Digital Radiography

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 36 out of 48 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 6.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.