What is the likely outcome if the outer photocells are selected incorrectly during a lateral chest projection on an asthenic patient?

When conducting a lateral chest projection, it is crucial to select the appropriate photocells for optimal receptor exposure. In the case of an asthenic patient, who typically has a thinner physique, selecting the outer photocells incorrectly can lead to a situation where the central part of the chest does not receive adequate radiation exposure. This occurs because the inappropriate selection often focuses on areas where there is less density (due to the patient’s thinner body habitus), resulting in less x-ray interaction and consequently less exposure reaching the imaging receptor.

When the outer photocells are activated in a scenario like this, they might underrepresent the area where the actual anatomy of interest (like the mediastinum and lungs) resides, resulting in decreased receptor exposure in critical areas. Thus, the image could appear underexposed, leading to potential misinterpretation or a need for repeat imaging. Proper selection is vital to ensure that the densest areas of the anatomy being imaged receive the correct exposure, maximizing the quality of the resultant radiograph.