ARRT Patient Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient arrives for a radiographic exam and states they are allergic to iodine. Which action should the radiologic technologist take FIRST?
- Proceed with non-contrast imaging only
- Notify the radiologist or ordering physician immediately (Correct answer)
- Administer prophylactic antihistamines
- Cancel the exam without further action
Correct answer: Notify the radiologist or ordering physician immediately
The radiologist or ordering physician must be notified immediately so they can determine the appropriate course of action, including whether premedication is needed.
Question 2: Which vital sign finding in an adult patient should be reported to the supervising clinician before proceeding with a routine radiographic exam?
- Pulse of 72 beats per minute
- Blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg
- Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- Temperature of 98.6°F (37°C)
Correct answer: Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is below the normal range (12-20) and indicates bradypnea, which warrants clinical notification.
Question 3: When transferring a patient from a wheelchair to the radiographic table, the wheelchair should be positioned at what angle relative to the table?
- 90 degrees
- 180 degrees
- 45 degrees (Correct answer)
- Parallel and touching the table
Correct answer: 45 degrees
Positioning the wheelchair at approximately 45 degrees to the table allows the shortest, most controlled pivot transfer for the patient.
Question 4: A patient with a suspected C-spine injury is brought to the radiology department. Which method of moving the patient's head and neck is appropriate?
- Manual in-line stabilization at all times (Correct answer)
- Use a pillow for comfort and proceed
- Log-roll the patient independently
- Hyperextend the neck to open the airway
Correct answer: Manual in-line stabilization at all times
Manual in-line stabilization of the cervical spine must be maintained at all times to prevent further injury until the injury is ruled out.
Question 5: What is the correct technique for removing contaminated gloves to prevent self-contamination?
- Pull both gloves off by the fingertips simultaneously
- Peel one glove inside-out from the wrist, then use bare fingers inside the second glove's wrist to remove it (Correct answer)
- Snap gloves off at the wrist and discard immediately
- Wash gloves with soap and water before removal
Correct answer: Peel one glove inside-out from the wrist, then use bare fingers inside the second glove's wrist to remove it
The proper technique keeps contaminated outer surfaces folded inside during removal so bare skin never contacts the contaminated exterior.
Question 6: A diabetic patient scheduled for a barium enema reports they skipped breakfast and have not eaten since last night. The technologist should be alert for signs of:
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia (Correct answer)
- Dehydration only
- Hypervolemia
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia
An NPO diabetic patient is at high risk for hypoglycemia; the technologist should assess for dizziness, diaphoresis, confusion, and notify clinical staff.
Question 7: Which position is recommended for a patient who is experiencing nausea and vomiting while supine on the radiographic table?
- Trendelenburg position
- Turn the patient's head to the side and lower the table to a semi-recumbent position (Correct answer)
- Elevate both legs above heart level
- Place the patient prone immediately
Correct answer: Turn the patient's head to the side and lower the table to a semi-recumbent position
Turning the head to the side prevents aspiration, and lowering the table helps prevent further nausea triggered by the supine position.
ARRT Patient Care 2
A patient arrives for a radiographic exam and states they are allergic to iodine.
Which action should the radiologic technologist take FIRST?