ICM-II: CHEST, case 1

TECHNICAL-no rotation, PA

If the patient had their arms by their side (or if they were too sick to cooperate with arm positioning, did not understand the instructions, had limited arm mobility, were lying in bed), the edge of the scapula would be far out over the lung, as shown in blue. So the fact that the patient rotated their scapulae out of the way, particularly in combination with their upright position and lack of rotation, makes it most likely that this is a PA view. But again, the only way to be CERTAIN is to read the label!

The scapulae in this patient have been rotated to the side (yellow outline) by having them put their arms out and grasp the support for the x-ray machine (which is in front of them, if they are in PA position). This maneuver moves the scapulae more laterally so that they don't overlap very much of the lung.