ARRT Fluoroscopy and Special Procedures 3

Question 1

According to NCRP guidelines, what cumulative fluoroscopy time threshold should prompt the operator to consider risk of radiation-induced deterministic skin effects?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

NCRP guidelines suggest that cumulative fluoroscopy times exceeding 30 minutes warrant close attention and documentation, as they may approach threshold doses for deterministic skin injuries such as erythema.

Question 2

Which patient position is used during a barium enema to best demonstrate the ileocecal valve and terminal ileum?

Accepted Answer

RPO (right posterior oblique)

Answer

The RPO position (equivalent to an LAO if prone) projects the cecum and terminal ileum away from overlying structures, providing the best visualization of the ileocecal valve.

Question 3

During a retrograde urethrogram in a male patient, what catheter type is typically placed at the urethral meatus to inject contrast?

Accepted Answer

A Brodney clamp or a small-bore catheter tip placed at the fossa navicularis

Answer

A Brodney clamp or small catheter tip is placed at the meatus (fossa navicularis) to instill contrast in a retrograde direction, outlining the anterior and posterior urethra without fully catheterizing the bladder.

Question 4

What is the primary advantage of pulsed fluoroscopy over continuous fluoroscopy?

Accepted Answer

Pulsed fluoroscopy significantly reduces patient radiation dose by emitting radiation only in brief pulses

Answer

Pulsed fluoroscopy delivers X-rays only during discrete pulses rather than continuously, reducing the total beam-on time and thus significantly decreasing patient skin dose.

Question 5

Which projection best demonstrates the left colic (splenic) flexure during a barium enema examination?

Accepted Answer

RPO (right posterior oblique)

Answer

The RPO position rotates the left side anteriorly, opening the splenic flexure away from overlying structures and allowing it to be projected in profile.

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Practice Test

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Practice Test

ARRT Fluoroscopy and Special Procedures 3