Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is the fourth in a series of four courses on radiographic positioning. Radiographic Positioning IV is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiography and is a prerequisite for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology for certification in Radiography. Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student elects to transfer.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Apply basic radiographic positioning techniques to capture overhead images of the digestive and urinary systems.
2. Evaluate radiographic images of the digestive and urinary systems according to Merrill’s positioning criteria.
3. Apply critical thinking to modify imaging techniques to obtaining diagnostic images in trauma, operating room, and mobile radiography environments.
4. Demonstrate safety protocols when performing modified imaging techniques to ensure patient and staff safety by minimizing radiation exposure.

1. This course will cover anatomy, osteology, pathology, and anomalies pertinent to radiography of the areas being studied.  Also covered are manipulation of x-ray equipment required to image patients in fluoroscopic, surgical, mobile and trauma scenarios.

2. Lecture, discussion, and/or demonstration are the means by which the material for this course is presented. Small group work and student presentation may be required.

3. The laboratory portion that accompanies this course requires the student to image phantoms, utilize peer positioning, participate in image critique, anatomical identification, and pathological discussion.

4. Class attendance is required to receive a grade in this course.

5. Active participation in lab activities is required to receive credit for lab attendance. This may include peer positioning simulations in technologist and patient rolls, use of x-ray equipment in training scenarios, and image analysis activities

6. Various media are used in presenting the course content. Diagrams, schematics, slides, videos, and other visual aids are used in the lecture/discussion sessions. These sessions are designed to be relevant to the skills and knowledge the student will need in the application of radiological imaging. 

7. Reading assignments from required textbooks, outside reading assignments, image critique, anatomical identification, and class projects may be utilized to improve learning outcomes.

8. Safety is extremely important and is taught throughout this course. Pertinent safety points are noted in this course.

Please contact the department director or the Office of Students with Disabilities, Sylvania ST 229, if you have a disability so that appropriate accommodations can be made for your course of study.

1. Produce diagnostic images of anatomical structures using selected positions and equipment.

2. Critique images using a systematic approach.

3. Simulate randomly chosen radiographic exams and procedures to demonstrate competency. Elements of these competency demonstrations include, but are not limited to: accurate positioning and equipment usage, exam safety, timely completion, cleanliness and hygiene, appropriate patient communication, and professional conduct

Themes Concepts & Issues:

1. Esophagus Positioning and Pathology

   1. Stomach and Duodenum Positioning and Pathology

   2. Small Bowel Positioning and Pathology

   3. Colon Positioning and Pathology

   4. Image Critique and Anatomy of Gastrointestinal Tract

2. Urinary Tract

   1. Excretory and Retrograde Urography Positioning and Pathology

   2. Cystourethrography Positioning and Pathology

   3. Image Critique and Anatomy of Urinary Tract

3. C-arm Use

   1. Orthopedic Positioning and Anatomy

   2. Neurology Positioning and Anatomy

   3. General Surgery Positioning and Anatomy

   4. Radiation safety

4. Mobile Radiography

   1. Orthopedic Positioning and Anatomy

   2. Abdominothoracic Positioning and Pathology

   3. Image Critique

   4. Radiation safety and infectious disease prevention

5. Trauma Radiography

   1. Orthopedic Positioning and Anatomy

   2. Abdominothoracic Positioning and Pathology

   3. Abdominal Positioning and Pathology

   4. Neurology Positioning and Pathology

Process Skills:

1. Identify and evaluate anatomy based on radiographic appearance.

2. Assess diagnostic image quality.

3. Analyze the effect of pathology as it relates to patient care and the production of the image.

4. Modify positioning and/or technical factors to accommodate patient conditions.

5. Operate radiographic equipment and utilize radiographic accessories.

6. Communicate appropriately and constructively with the patient and colleagues.

7. Utilize safe transfer techniques.

8. Demonstrate best practices in radiation safety and infection control for personnel and patients