ARRT Thorax and Abdomen Procedures 5

Question 1

Which maneuver can be used during fluoroscopy of the esophagus to demonstrate a small hiatal hernia that may not be visible in the upright position?

Accepted Answer

Trendelenburg position with Valsalva

Answer

The Trendelenburg (head-down) position combined with the Valsalva maneuver increases intra-abdominal pressure and gastroesophageal displacement, revealing small sliding hiatal hernias.

Question 2

The carina of the trachea is normally located at which vertebral level on a PA chest radiograph?

Accepted Answer

T4–T5

Answer

The carina, where the trachea bifurcates into the left and right main bronchi, is normally located at the level of T4–T5 on a PA chest radiograph.

Question 3

For an AP projection of the abdomen in a patient with suspected bowel obstruction, what position should be obtained in addition to the supine AP?

Accepted Answer

Upright AP abdomen

Answer

An upright AP abdomen demonstrates air-fluid levels within distended bowel loops, which are diagnostic for bowel obstruction.

Question 4

On a lateral chest radiograph, the retrosternal space is normally radiolucent. Increased opacity in this region suggests which condition?

Accepted Answer

Anterior mediastinal mass

Answer

The retrosternal (anterior mediastinal) space lies between the sternum and heart; increased opacity there is characteristic of an anterior mediastinal mass (thymoma, teratoma, lymphoma).

Question 5

To best demonstrate the left lung and heart on a lateral chest, which side of the patient should be placed against the IR?

Accepted Answer

Left side against IR

Answer

Placing the left side against the IR minimizes magnification of the left-sided cardiac shadow and produces a truer representation of left lung structures.

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Practice Test

ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Practice Test

ARRT Thorax and Abdomen Procedures 5