ARRT Patient Care 2

Question 1

A patient with a serum creatinine of 1.9 mg/dL is scheduled for a contrast-enhanced CT. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the radiologist and consider pre-hydration or alternative imaging

Answer

Proceed normally with iodinated contrast

Answer

Administer a double dose of contrast to ensure diagnostic quality

Answer

Cancel the exam without consulting the radiologist

Question 2

Which organization's guidelines most commonly govern the use of iodinated contrast media in CT scanning in the US?

Accepted Answer

American College of Radiology (ACR)

Answer

American Cancer Society (ACS)

Answer

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Answer

Joint Commission (TJC)

Question 3

When positioning an unresponsive patient for a head CT, the technologist should first:

Accepted Answer

Ensure airway, breathing, and circulation are assessed

Answer

Apply a cervical collar before moving the patient

Answer

Obtain a verbal consent from the patient

Answer

Begin scanning immediately to reduce time to diagnosis

Question 4

A patient states they are allergic to shellfish. How should the technologist respond regarding iodinated contrast?

Accepted Answer

Document the allergy and notify the radiologist for risk assessment

Answer

Automatically substitute gadolinium-based contrast

Answer

Proceed without concern since shellfish allergy does not increase contrast risk

Answer

Administer diphenhydramine and proceed with full contrast dose

Question 5

Which of the following is a sign of a severe allergic reaction to contrast media requiring immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Laryngeal edema with stridor

Answer

Mild facial flushing

Answer

Transient nausea

Answer

Warm sensation during injection

Question 6

What is the recommended site for placing an IV catheter for CT contrast injection requiring high flow rates (4–5 mL/s)?

Accepted Answer

Antecubital fossa vein

Answer

Hand vein

Answer

Femoral vein

Answer

Foot vein

Question 7

A patient scheduled for a CT scan reports taking metformin for type 2 diabetes. What is the standard protocol before administering iodinated contrast?

Accepted Answer

Withhold metformin for 48 hours after contrast if renal function is normal or borderline

Answer

Administer contrast and have patient resume metformin immediately after

Answer

Double the metformin dose to counteract potential contrast effects

Answer

Substitute insulin before the procedure