ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Patient Care and Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient undergoing an IVU procedure begins to experience urticaria, wheezing, and throat tightness. What is the most appropriate initial action for the radiologic technologist to take?

Accepted Answer

Stop the infusion and call for immediate medical assistance.

Answer

Administer oxygen and call for a nurse.

Answer

Administer a dose of epinephrine from the emergency cart.

Answer

Reassure the patient that these are common side effects.

Question 2

Which of the following vital signs for an adult patient at rest would be considered outside the normal range?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Answer

Blood pressure of 118/78 mmHg

Answer

Heart rate of 95 beats per minute

Answer

Oral temperature of 98.9°F (37.2°C)

Question 3

A radiographer is preparing for a sterile procedure, such as a myelogram. Which of the following actions demonstrates proper surgical aseptic technique?

Accepted Answer

Opening a sterile pack and letting the contents fall onto the sterile field without touching them.

Answer

Placing the sterile tray near the edge of the table for easy access.

Answer

Reaching over the sterile field to adjust the overhead light.

Answer

Wearing a clean uniform and non-sterile gloves to arrange items on the tray.

Question 4

An 82-year-old female patient with limited mobility needs to be transferred from her wheelchair to the x-ray table for a hip examination. The patient is able to bear some weight on her legs. What is the most appropriate transfer method?

Accepted Answer

A pivot transfer with the technologist's assistance.

Answer

A two-person lift with one person on each side.

Answer

A hydraulic lift to ensure maximum safety.

Answer

A stand-by assist transfer, allowing the patient to do most of the work.

Question 5

Regarding informed consent for an invasive imaging procedure, which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent must be obtained after the procedure has been explained by the physician, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Answer

The radiologic technologist is primarily responsible for obtaining the informed consent.

Answer

Consent is considered valid as long as the patient signs the form, even if they have questions.

Answer

A signed consent form is valid indefinitely for any future procedures.

Question 6

A patient is scheduled for an abdominal CT scan with IV contrast. The patient's lab results show a BUN of 25 mg/dL and a creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Alert the radiologist before administering contrast.

Answer

Proceed with the exam as ordered.

Answer

Administer a lower dose of the contrast agent.

Answer

Encourage the patient to drink extra water before the scan.