ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Upper Extremity Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient arrives in the emergency department with a traumatic injury to their elbow and is unable to extend it for a standard AP projection.
To best demonstrate a potential fracture of the radial head, which specialized projection should be performed?

Accepted Answer

Axiolateral projection (Coyle method)

Answer

Inferosuperior axial projection (Lawrence method)

Answer

PA oblique projection (Scapular Y)

Answer

AP oblique projection (Grashey method)

Question 2

An AP oblique projection of the shoulder (Grashey method) is performed primarily to demonstrate which of the following?

Accepted Answer

An open glenohumeral joint space.

Answer

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint without superimposition.

Answer

The relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid cavity for dislocation.

Answer

The lesser tubercle in profile.

Question 3

A radiographer is performing a PA projection of the wrist for a suspected scaphoid fracture. Which specific positioning maneuver is critical to best visualize the scaphoid bone free of foreshortening and superimposition?

Accepted Answer

Ulnar deviation

Answer

Radial deviation

Answer

Placing the hand in a fist

Answer

Hyperextension of the wrist

Question 4

Which of the following upper extremity projections is performed to evaluate for a suspected dislocation of the shoulder by demonstrating the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid fossa in a true lateral perspective of the scapula?

Accepted Answer

PA oblique projection (Scapular Y)

Answer

Transthoracic lateral projection (Lawrence method)

Answer

AP oblique projection (Grashey method)

Answer

AP axial projection (Stryker notch method)

Question 5

A trauma patient requires a lateral projection of the proximal humerus but cannot abduct their arm. The technologist decides to perform a transthoracic lateral (Lawrence method). What is the proper positioning for the patient's uninjured arm?

Accepted Answer

Raised above the head.

Answer

Kept at the patient's side in a neutral position.

Answer

Crossed over the chest to depress the uninjured shoulder.

Answer

Abducted 45 degrees from the body.

Question 6

The tangential, inferosuperior projection of the wrist (Gaynor-Hart method) is specifically designed to visualize which anatomical structure?

Accepted Answer

The carpal canal (tunnel)

Answer

The radioulnar joint

Answer

The scapholunate articulation

Answer

The first carpometacarpal joint