Kettering American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

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• What position is required to demonstrate the proximal joint space between the tibia and fibula?
• In radiology, what does the term "collimation" refer to?
• Which position is best for demonstrating the radial head, radial neck, and radial tuberosity without superimposition?
• In radiography, what is the purpose of angling the central ray?
• An image that demonstrates low contrast can be caused by which of the following?
• Which law states that a direct relationship is necessary to compensate for changes in intensity and receptor exposure?
• The most common site used for intravenous injection of iodinated contrast agents is:
• Which position best demonstrates a hiatal hernia during an UGI series?
• Total brightness gain of an image intensifier results from which of the following?
• What is the effect on relative biologic effectiveness (RBE) as linear energy transfer (LET) increases?
• In a comparison of photon energies, scattered photons from a "Compton" interaction are characterized as:
• Which radiographic technique can help in demonstrating the ischial spine clearly?
• Where does the central ray (CR) enter for a PA projection of a hand?
• When insufficient light is produced by the imaging plate phosphor, the image will appear:
• How can the positioning technique influence the visibility of the ureters in radiography?
• In a Compton interaction, photons predominantly interact with which type of electrons?
• What is the ratio of a grid constructed with lead strips that are 72 units tall and separated by radiolucent material 6 units wide?
• What is the medical term for localized skin redness resulting from significant ionizing radiation exposure?
• What positioning landmark is located at the base of the nasal spine?
• What component of circuitry is considered the "source of origin" for the production of kVp?
• What is the effect of increasing kVp on receptor exposure?
• What is the correct centering point for an AP projection of the knee with a 3 - 5 degree cephalic central ray angulation?
• In an AP projection of the clavicle, how many degrees is the CR typically angled?
• What type of imaging technique is primarily used to visualize soft tissue structures?
• What is the primary purpose of a grid in radiology?
• Which of the following are not components of PACS technology?
• Why do individuals that are "scrubbed" for sterile procedures keep their hands above their waists?
• During which trimester is the developing fetus considered to be at its greatest period of radioresistance?
• What is the effect on radiographic image contrast when there is a decrease in beam filtration?
• Which of the following increases with an increase in the kV applied to the x-ray tube?
• What factor helps determine the degree of radiosensitivity of cells to ionizing radiation, missing from the following list: Degree of Specificity, Maturity?
• Which position is best for demonstrating the right intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine?
• Shape distortion produced on a finished radiograph will vary directly with which of the following factors?
• In what units are radiation film badge reports for diagnostic radiographers stated?
• What is the proper sequence of actions to take after a patient injury in the radiology department?
• Which interaction with matter is known to reduce contrast in an x-ray image?
• In digital imaging, how is receptor exposure primarily controlled?
• Which anatomic structure is best demonstrated in the LAO position during a barium enema?
• What is the function of the collimator in radiographic imaging?
• What happens to radiographic contrast when the radiation field size is changed from a 14"x17" to an 8"x10"?
• What position would be most effective for visualizing the left intervertebral foramina in the cervical spine?
• The greater tubercle of the humerus is best demonstrated in profile laterally in which projection?
• What happens to most photon energies when they undergo Compton scattering?
• A decrease in SID will create what effect?
• What position is preferred for demonstrating the full volume of the right sacroiliac joint space?
• What is the term for the blood pressure value when the heart is at rest?
• When is linear energy transfer particularly important to consider in radiology?
• With all other technical factors remaining constant, which of the following results from increasing amounts of filtration in the X-ray beam?
• If a high-voltage transformer has 150 turns on the primary side and 25,000 turns on the secondary side, what voltage will be induced in the secondary side if supplied with 240 V?
• What adjustment must be made to the cranium to place the infraorbitomeatal line parallel to the image receptor?
• Which imaging technique can improve contrast resolution in radiography?
• What is an image produced with the central ray angled along the long axis of a part known as?
• Which change in technical factors will result in the greatest reduction in radiation dose to the patient?
• What is one of the primary roles of a radiologic technologist?
• What is the purpose of minification gain in an image intensifier?
• What effect does increasing radiation dose have on image quality?
• What is the correct degree of tube angulation with the patient adjusted with the infraorbitomeatal line perpendicular to the table for an AP axial (Towne) position of the cranium?
• Which technique is utilized to ensure proper visualization of the fallopian tubes during imaging?
• What is the term used to describe an object that, once contaminated, can act as a vehicle for infection?
• What does the term 'threshold dose' refer to in radiologic protection?
• What is the cumulative lifetime dose limit for a radiologic technologist who is two days past their 37th birthday?
• In digital imaging, spatial resolution improves with which of the following?
• How does an increase in filtration affect the percentage of beam penetration through objects of interest?
• 6 rem is equivalent to how many Sv?
• According to NCRP requirements, how much added filtration is needed for an X-ray tube with 0.75 mm of aluminum equivalent if it operates at voltages above 70 kVp?
• When performing an AP projection of the scapula, where is the central ray directed?
• What test is used to detect rectifier failure in a single-phase full-wave rectified X-ray unit?
• Which area of the lungs typically has the highest air exchange during normal breathing?
• Which factor has the least effect on the radiation dose received by a patient during a radiologic exam?
• Which position listed below is best for demonstrating the patellofemoral articulation?
• Administrative and computerized clinical data such as patient demographics and medical reports are overseen using which standard?
• During normal breathing, where is the least amount of air volume exchanged in the lungs?
• What term describes the gradual loss of sharpness toward the edges of an image?
• What anatomical structure is referred to as ASIS?
• A bit depth of 9 is capable of displaying how many shades of gray?
• Who is the owner of the radiographic images?
• Radiation effects that are limited to the exposed population are referred to as what?
• Which position would be executed to clearly visualize a profile view of the left kidney?
• In radiology, what does "back-up time" refer to in the context of automated exposure controls?
• Which position is effective in placing a negative contrast agent in the fundus of the stomach during a double contrast upper GI exam?
• Which of the following factors does not affect recorded detail in imaging?
• Where will the greatest dose savings be realized with increasing levels of beam filtration?
• Which behavior may vary greatly between different cultures?
• Which components are included in the "Cycle of Infection"?
• Which factor is most important in determining the quality of a radiographic image?
• When Bremsstrahlung radiation is produced, what happens to the incident electron?
• Which carpal bone of the wrist is the largest?
• Which of the following factors primarily affects the contrast of an x-ray image?
• An acute whole-body exposure greater than 50 Gy (5,000 rads) would cause which radiation syndrome?
• What is the most reliable predictor of a probable reaction to iodinated contrast media injection?
• Which factor is NOT affected by the focal spot size in radiography?
• In pediatric radiography, which technique modification is often necessary to reduce radiation exposure?
• Why is it important for a patient to have their knees flexed for an AP projection of the lumbar spine?
• How does the size of a focal spot potentially affect patient outcomes?
• What is the maximum exposure rate at the surface of the table top for a conventional fluoroscopic unit?
• In a left lateral decubitus position, which side should demonstrate fluid accumulation in the abdomen?
• What is the primary purpose of the code of ethics in the radiologic profession?
• What is the term given to the area of unsharpness surrounding the image of an object on a radiographic image?
• What property is crucial for contrast agents to effectively enhance imaging?
• What is the proper treatment for a patient experiencing contrast media extravasation into surrounding tissues?
• From anatomical position, pronating the hand will result in the palm facing which direction?
• Overlapping of the proximal radius and ulna while imaging the forearm is evidence of:
• Which exposure factor is primarily used to control radiographic contrast?
• Which of the following statements best summarizes the comparison of effects between radiation delivered in a single dose versus delivered in incremental doses?
• In an AP film of the cervical spine, where should the central ray be centered?
• Which legal document names the person authorized to make health care decisions for an incapacitated patient?
• What position is preferred for demonstrating a fracture along the axillary border of the right 7th rib?
• Which factors are directly related to image brightness in fluoroscopy?
• What is the main advantage of using digital radiography over traditional film radiography?
• Which term describes the effects of radiation exposure that appear after a long latency period?
• Which of the following signifies high principles of professional behavior within the radiologic profession?
• In an AP axial projection of the sacrum, the central ray is angled by how many degrees?
• Antiversion of the femoral neck is overcome by what degree of internal rotation of the toes during an AP projection of the pelvis?
• Which component is crucial for preventing image distortion in radiographic imaging?
• Why is it important to limit the maximum kilovoltage of the useful X-ray beam when performing exams with iodinated contrast media?
• Which position best demonstrates the articular facets on the left side of the cervical spine?
• When proper patient positioning and AEC selection are employed, abdomen images are expected to demonstrate what level of consistency?
• Which of the following is not considered a short-term somatic effect of radiation?
• Which of the following is a common indicator of overexposure in radiography?
• Which factor is critical when determining the order of radiographic examinations?
• To avoid absorption of the remnant X-ray beam by lead strips within a grid cassette, how should the central ray be angled?
• What is a characteristic of the CT modality in terms of radiation exposure?
• How frequently should a radiographer wash their hands during a working day?
• What effect does increased kVp have on radiographic contrast?
• What does the term 'thermionic emission' refer to?
• What is the result when there is a misalignment of the tube, part, and image receptor?
• What is the minimum change in mAs needed to show a perceptible difference on the image?
• In a radiologic context, what does kVp stand for?
• What is identified by the illustration of cervical vertebrae?
• Prior to inserting an enema tip into a patient, the technologist should place the patient in which position?
• In a posterior oblique position, which lumbar apophyseal joints are best demonstrated?
• What is the recommended lead equivalent thickness for aprons worn during fluoroscopic procedures?
• How does increasing the distance between the x-ray tube and the patient affect radiation exposure?
• What exam category represents the single greatest source of acute radiation exposure for patients in a diagnostic radiology department?
• Which method is best for producing images on patients that are unable to suspend respiration during an exposure?
• Which type of radiation effect results from acute exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation?
• What term is applied to the level of medical asepsis that involves the destruction of pathogens using chemical materials?
• Which of the following does not affect spatial resolution in imaging?
• What does the acronym "TFT" stand for in digital radiography?
• What safety measure is necessary when exposing equipment to radiation in a radiographic suite?
• Which position best demonstrates bilateral depressed fractures of the zygomatic arches?
• Which projection of the chest is best for demonstrating the retrocardiac space?
• After performing a portable chest radiograph, where should the cleaning of radiographic equipment occur?
• What is the primary purpose of using a grid in radiographic imaging?
• To minimize the superimposition of the right ureter over the lumbar vertebrae, which position is recommended for radiography?
• Select the type of grid device with the greatest amount of positioning latitude.
• Which one of the following are types of post-processing of digital images?
• Which of the following describes the relationship between pixel size and pixel density?
• What is one benefit of increasing the filtration in an X-ray beam?
• What is the standard central ray angulation for a lateral projection of the knee?
• Which methods are utilized for image acquisition in digital radiography?
• What is the minimum thickness requirement for secondary barriers in terms of lead equivalent?
• When scheduling radiographic examinations, what is the most preferred sequence?
• If an exposure monitor reads 700 mR at 3 meters from a fluoroscopic table, what will be the exposure to a technologist standing 2.5 meters away?
• What type of legal case could be brought against a technologist who threatens to tie an uncooperative patient to the table?
• Which of the following would reduce receptor exposure by one-half if it was not possible for the technologist to adjust the mAs?
• If a technologist selects a larger imaging plate than necessary for the exam, what is the likely outcome?
• What is the name of the radiographic exam that demonstrates the degree of patency of the fallopian tubes?
• What kind of injury is primarily associated with a dose of radiation causing cell damage in the long bones?
• The portion of the image intensifier device responsible for converting light photons into free electrons is the:
• Sterility of male patients due to excessive radiation exposure to the gonads is an example of which type of radiation effect?
• Where in the X-ray circuit can the mA selector be found?
• What is your primary responsibility when a patient under your care experiences a grand mal seizure?
• What feature below is an essential component of modern fixed radiographic equipment, designed to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to patients?
• When performing an axiolateral of the mandible to demonstrate the rami, how should the patient's head be positioned?
• When evaluating an AP projection of the abdomen, which of the following is NOT part of the evaluation criteria?
• What source of acute radiation exposure poses the greatest risk to humans?
• What does the post-processing technique known as shuttering accomplish?
• A PA skull projection shows the petrous pyramids filling the bony orbits. What positioning technique was likely used?
• What does the term "linear energy transfer" refer to?
• Which of the following exposure factor combinations will result in the least amount of radiation dose to the patient?
• In general, what effect does increasing the tube current (mA) have on an x-ray image?
• What aspect of imaging does a look-up-table (LUT) map?
• If a beam intensity of 1200 photons/unit area is achieved at a source to image receptor distance of 80", what would the beam intensity be at a 40" distance using the same factors?
• When comparing 100 kV and 70 kV, what effect does using 70 kV have?
• How does radiation induced thyroid cancer exhibit its dose response relationship?
• In an oblique lumbar spine view, what structure is represented by the "eye" of the Scotty Dog?
• Where is the scaphoid carpal bone located in relation to the pisiform?
• Which imaging modality was the first to utilize digital imaging?
• What position is best for demonstrating the presence of free air in the right hemithorax?
• Which of the following statements is true regarding imaging of the forearm in the lateral position?
• Which emergency medication may be used on a patient experiencing a seizure?
• Barium would not be the contrast media of choice to use on a patient with the suspicion of:
• What is the name of the radiographic examination for demonstrating the pelvicalyceal system using a cystoscope?
• What is the prescribed distance for measuring leakage radiation for a diagnostic X-ray tube?
• Which of the following is an accepted standard for networking medical devices to exchange images and information regardless of the brand of equipment?
• What is the proper technique for lifting a heavy load from the floor?
• In an upper GI exam, the LPO position places barium in which portion of the stomach?
• What characterizes the diastolic blood pressure value?
• What will happen to image contrast when changing from a 1.5 mm focal spot to a 0.5 mm focal spot?
• What is the correct term for a picture element in imaging?
• What is a common effect of exposure to high levels of radiation over a short period?
• Which imaging modality is most effective for visualizing soft tissue structures?
• Which flexure of the colon is best demonstrated in the right posterior oblique position during a lower gastrointestinal tract contrast media exam?
• Grid devices will have no effect on which of the following items?
• What is the effect of reducing focal spot size on the maximum mA station that may be selected?
• What does the term 'anode heel effect' refer to?
• An axial plantodorsal projection for the calcaneus is performed with the central ray angled how many degrees to the surface of the IR?
• Which component is not found in the primary, low voltage section of the X-ray circuit?
• What unit is commonly used to measure radiation exposure?
• What unit of measurement is used for calibrating the resolution of an imaging system?
• What is the effect of increasing window width in digital imaging?
• What is the term used for radiation injuries that are limited to an exposed individual and the area of exposure only?
• What happens with interphase death?
• What is the primary purpose of measuring leakage radiation in diagnostic X-ray tubes?
• What type of motor is required to rotate the anode within a rotating anode X-ray tube?
• What is the predominant type of radiation interaction occurring in diagnostic radiology?
• What is the main purpose of using a grid in radiography?
• What is the main purpose of setting a back-up time with automatic exposure control?
• What is the effective dose equivalent limit of a student radiographer under the age of 18?
• An atom containing three protons and three neutrons in its nucleus has a (an)?
• During a fluoroscopic exam lasting seven minutes, if the exposure rate to the operator is calculated to be 15mR/minute at a distance of three feet, what will be the technologist's total exposure standing at five feet from the table?
• As the angle of the face of the anode increases from 5 degrees to 15 degrees, what is the effect on spatial resolution?
• The effectiveness of low LET radiation in causing damage in cell populations is enhanced under which conditions?
• When carrying a load of cassettes down a long hallway, what should be done to keep the line of gravity close to the center of gravity?
• Which method enhances imaging resolution in digital radiography systems?
• Which factor has the least impact on image quality in diagnostic radiography?
• What is the primary purpose of using lead aprons during imaging procedures?
• What is the minimum height for hanging a bag of barium while performing a BE?
• The maximum variation between consecutive exposures when using the same technical factor is?
• Imaging of ribs below the diaphragm is conducted during which phase of respiration?
• Which projection is commonly used to assess the acromioclavicular joint?
• Which image matrix size provides the greatest spatial resolution?
• What is the difference between X-radiation and gamma radiation?
• Which type of emission released during radioactive decay produces the greatest amount of radiolysis per mm of irradiated material?
• In the PA axial projection (Camp Coventry method), where should the central ray enter the knee?
• How does the Source to Image Distance (SID) affect receptor exposure?
• An internal oblique of the foot is performed with the plantar surface of the foot forming a ___ degree angle to the surface of the IR.
• What is the primary reason for using grids in radiography?
• What is the function of the flat panel thin film transistor detectors (FDP/TFT) when using the direct method to produce an image?
• When 350 volts are supplied to a transformer with specific turns, what is the voltage exiting the transformer?
• What is the primary rationale for using a 15-30 degree angle in AP clavicle positioning?
• Which of the following describes a compound fracture?
• What is the most anterior structure of the scapula?
• Which of the following is not a common complication associated with the use of iodinated contrast media?
• What type of contrast agent is typically used for enhancing the visibility of specific organs or structures in imaging?
• The violet light emitted by the PSP is transformed into the visible image by which of the following?
• When performing radiation therapy, what is the significance of the threshold dose-response relationship?
• According to the NCRP, what type of exposure switch is required for controlling the fluoroscopic beam?
• Which of the following is best demonstrated on a lateral projection of the elbow?
• Which structural component of the x-ray tube is responsible for producing x-rays?
• During which phase of the cell cycle is the cell at its highest point of radiosensitivity?
• What type of fracture is characterized by the bone penetrating through the skin?
• Which of the following is demonstrated on the scapular Y view of the shoulder?
• In a radiographic image, what does the arrow pointing to the ischial spine indicate?
• Cyanosis is recognized by which of the following symptoms?
• What effect does scatter radiation have on radiographic contrast?
• What is the minimum lead equivalent absorption that the bucky slot cover of a fluoroscopic unit must provide?
• What radiation protection measure is essential for radiologic technologists?
• Which feature of digital imaging improves spatial resolution?
• When time is used as a means of radiation protection, operators should:
• In digital imaging, what effect does increasing contrast have on the visibility of details?
• Where does the CR exit for the parietoacanthial projection for the skull?
• What should be the technologist's immediate response upon discovering a fire in a patient holding area?