Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is the fourth in a series of four courses on radiographic positioning. Radiographic Positioning VI is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology 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.
The laboratory portion that accompanies this course requires the student to image phantoms, utilize peer positioning, participate in image critique, anatomical identification pathological discussion, use ionization radiation and processing techniques.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Apply basic radiographic positioning techniques to capture images of the digestive and urinary systems.
• Evaluate radiographic images of the digestive and urinary systems.
• Use critical thinking skills to obtain diagnostic images in trauma scenarios.
• Use critical thinking skills to obtain diagnostic images in operating room scenarios.

• This course will cover anatomy, osteology, pathology, and anomalies pertinent to radiography of the areas being studied.
• 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.
• 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.
• Class attendance is required to receive a grade in this course.
• 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. There will be reading assignments from required textbooks, outside reading assignments, image critique, anatomical identification, and class projects.
• 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.
2. Critique images using a systematic approach.
3. Simulate the correct positioning for a randomly chosen radiographic exam.

Themes Concepts & Issues:
1 Gastrointestinal Tract
1.1 Esophagus Positioning and Pathology
1.2 Stomach and Duodenum Positioning and Pathology
1.3 Small Bowel Positioning and Pathology
1.4 Colon Positioning and Pathology
1.5 Image Critique and Anatomy of Gastrointestinal Tract
2 Urinary Tract
2.1 Excretory and Retrograde Urography Positioning and Pathology
2.2 Cystourethrography Positioning and Pathology
2.3 Image Critique and Anatomy of Urinary Tract
3 C-arm Use
3.1 Orthopedic Positioning and Anatomy
3.2 Neurology Positioning and Anatomy
3.3 General Surgery Positioning and Anatomy
3.4 Image Critique
4 Mobile Radiography
4.1  Orthopedic Positioning and Anatomy
4.2  Thoracic Positioning and Pathology

4.3  Abdominal Positioning and Pathology

4.4 Neurology Positioning and Pathology

4.5 Image Critique

5 Trauma Radiography
5.1  Orthopedic Positioning and Anatomy
5.2  Thoracic Positioning and Pathology
5.3  Abdominal Positioning and Pathology

5.4 Neurology Positioning and Pathology

5.5 Image Critique

Process Skills:

1. Evaluate and identify radiographic anatomy.
2. Assess diagnostic image quality.
3. Modify positioning and/or technical factors.
4. Analyze the effect of pathology as it relates to patient care and the production of the image.
5. Operate radiographic equipment and utilize radiographic accessories.
6. Communicate appropriately and constructively with the patient.
7. Utilize safe transfer techniques.
8. Practice appropriate radiation safety techniques for personnel and patients.