National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

A dorsoplantar view of the foot requires a __________________ tube angulation.

1. 10 degrees cephalad

2. 15 degrees caudad

3. 5 degrees lateral

4. 20 degrees superior

The correct answer is: 10 degrees cephalad

A dorsoplantar view of the foot involves positioning the X-ray beam perpendicular to the film or detector while aiming from the posterior part of the foot to the anterior part, which is typically the dorsum of the foot toward the plantar aspect. To achieve optimal imaging and prevent distortion, a cephalad angulation of the X-ray tube is needed. In this view, angling the tube 10 degrees cephalad helps to project the X-ray beam more effectively through the structures of the foot, compensating for the natural curvature and alignment. This angle allows for better visualization of critical anatomical structures such as the metatarsals, phalanges, and tarsal bones. The other options, which suggest different degrees and directions of angulation, would not align the X-ray beam properly for a dorsoplantar view and could lead to inadequate imaging or misrepresentation of the foot's anatomy.