ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Thorax and Abdomen Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient is sent to radiology for a chest examination to rule out a small pneumothorax.
The patient is able to stand and cooperate.
In addition to the standard PA projection on full inspiration, which of the following would be most beneficial to demonstrate this condition?

Accepted Answer

PA with full expiration

Answer

AP Lordotic

Answer

Lateral decubitus with affected side down

Answer

RAO oblique

Question 2

A three-way acute abdomen series is ordered on an ambulatory patient. Which of the following combinations of projections is typically included in this series?

Accepted Answer

AP supine, AP upright, and PA chest

Answer

AP supine, AP upright, and Lateral decubitus

Answer

AP supine, PA chest, and Lateral abdomen

Answer

Prone, Lateral, and AP upright

Question 3

When performing a radiograph of the sternum in the right anterior oblique (RAO) position, which of the following techniques is employed to improve visualization of the sternum?

Accepted Answer

A long exposure time with shallow breathing.

Answer

Short SID and suspended deep inspiration.

Answer

High kVp and suspended expiration.

Answer

A long SID and a rapid, deep inspiration.

Question 4

During a double-contrast barium enema (BE), the radiologist wants to visualize the medial side of the ascending colon and the lateral side of the descending colon coated with barium and filled with air. Which position should the technologist use?

Accepted Answer

Left lateral decubitus

Answer

Right lateral decubitus

Answer

Ventral decubitus

Answer

AP upright

Question 5

A patient has sustained trauma to the left posterior ribs, specifically ribs 9 and 10. Which of the following positioning and breathing instructions are most appropriate for the oblique projection to best demonstrate this injury?

Accepted Answer

Left posterior oblique (LPO), suspended expiration

Answer

Left posterior oblique (LPO), suspended inspiration

Answer

Right posterior oblique (RPO), suspended expiration

Answer

Left anterior oblique (LAO), suspended inspiration

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of obtaining RPO and LPO projections during an intravenous urogram (IVU)?

Accepted Answer

To place the kidney on the side moved *away* from the IR (the "up" side) parallel to the IR.

Answer

To visualize the renal arteries branching from the aorta.

Answer

To demonstrate the mobility of the kidneys (nephroptosis).

Answer

To force contrast into the minor calyces using compression.