Question

Where would the cathode be placed, in reference to the patient, to take advantage of the anode heel effect on a decubitus position for the chest?

a) At the head end of the patient
b) At the foot end of the patient
c)On the left side of the patient
d)On the right side of the patient

Answer 1

The right ventricle sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. For an X-ray, the cathode should be placed at the foot end of the patient to utilize the anode heel effect for optimal imaging.

Step-by-step explanation:

In reference to the patient's position, cathode placement to take advantage of the anode heel effect during a decubitus chest X-ray should be at the foot end of the patient. However, this specific question seems to be asking about the circulation system, particularly the role of the right ventricle. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. When taking a chest X-ray, the anode heel effect is used to even out the density of the image, as the intensity of X-rays is greater on the cathode side. By placing the cathode at the end of the area of interest where the body is thicker, one can leverage this effect for better images.