Fluoroscopy and Special Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real ARRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fluoroscopy and Special Procedures flashcards as text
What is the primary advantage of fluoroscopy over static radiography?
Answer: It allows real-time dynamic visualization of structures and motion
Fluoroscopy provides continuous real-time imaging, allowing the radiologist to observe dynamic processes such as swallowing, bowel peristalsis, and contrast flow.
During a barium swallow examination, which position best demonstrates a posterior esophageal impression or defect?
Answer: RAO projection
The RAO (right anterior oblique) position places the esophagus between the spine and the heart, providing an unobstructed view of the esophageal lumen.
Which type of contrast agent is routinely used for a double-contrast barium enema?
Answer: Low-density barium sulfate with air
Double-contrast barium enema uses low-density (thin) barium to coat the mucosal surface combined with air insufflation to distend the colon and reveal fine mucosal detail.
Which fluoroscopic technique most effectively reduces patient entrance skin dose during a procedure?
Answer: Increasing the kVp and using last image hold instead of continuous fluoroscopy
Higher kVp reduces dose per image, and using last image hold (LIH) eliminates unnecessary continuous fluoroscopy, significantly reducing cumulative skin exposure.
What is the primary function of the image intensifier (II) in a fluoroscopic unit?
Answer: To convert X-ray energy to a bright visible light image for viewing
The image intensifier converts X-ray photons into electrons, accelerates them, and reconverts them to a bright visible-light image, enabling real-time observation at low dose rates.
Which fluoroscopic procedure is specifically designed to evaluate the swallowing mechanism and detect aspiration?
Answer: Modified barium swallow (videofluoroscopic swallow study)
The modified barium swallow (videofluoroscopic swallow study) is performed with a speech-language pathologist to assess oropharyngeal swallowing function and detect aspiration.
What is the primary purpose of obtaining a scout (KUB) radiograph before administering contrast for a fluoroscopic GI study?
Answer: To assess existing pathology, bowel preparation adequacy, and set technique factors
A scout image documents baseline anatomy, confirms adequate bowel preparation, reveals pre-existing calcifications or pathology, and guides the subsequent contrast study.