At what approximate level does the trachea terminate? T10 T3 ...

[Deast7027]

At what approximate level does the trachea terminate?
 
 T10
  T3
  T5
  T7

Question 2

A patient with a suspected right hemothorax is unable to stand. The patient should be placed into which of the following positions to image this condition?
 
 AP chest
  left lateral decubitus
  dorsal decubitus
  right lateral decubitus

[jsm54321]

Answer to Question 1

T5

Rationale: The trachea terminates at the carina at the approximate level of T5.

Answer to Question 2

right lateral decubitus

Rationale: Hemothorax represents blood within the chest cavity. To demonstrate an air-fluid level on a patient who cannot stand, a decub position should be used. The patient should be positioned so the fluid collects on the lateral most margin of the lung rather than towards the mediastinum.