GXMO Patient Care and Positioning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient is scheduled for a barium swallow examination but states they ate a full meal two hours ago. The technologist should:
- Proceed with the exam since two hours is sufficient fasting time
- Notify the radiologist and likely reschedule the exam (Correct answer)
- Administer a laxative and proceed after 30 minutes
- Replace the barium with a water-soluble contrast agent
Correct answer: Notify the radiologist and likely reschedule the exam
Barium swallow studies typically require NPO status; recent food intake may obscure findings and the radiologist must be consulted before proceeding.
Question 2: When performing a cross-table lateral hip radiograph, the unaffected leg is elevated to:
- Prevent superimposition of the soft tissue over the femoral neck (Correct answer)
- Reduce radiation dose to the gonads
- Improve patient comfort during positioning
- Allow the central ray to pass parallel to the IR
Correct answer: Prevent superimposition of the soft tissue over the femoral neck
Elevating the unaffected leg removes it from the path of the horizontal beam, preventing superimposition over the proximal femur of interest.
Question 3: Which positioning landmark is used to locate the level of the iliac crest?
- L1
- L4 (Correct answer)
- S1
- T12
Correct answer: L4
The iliac crest is a palpable landmark that corresponds to the level of L4-L5 intervertebral space.
Question 4: A non-ambulatory patient requires a chest radiograph. If a PA erect projection cannot be obtained, the preferred alternative is:
- Lateral decubitus
- AP erect (Correct answer)
- PA recumbent
- AP supine
Correct answer: AP erect
An AP erect projection is preferred over supine because it allows the diaphragm to descend and provides better visualization of lung fields and fluid levels.
Question 5: Protective gonad shielding should NOT be used when:
- The gonads are within 5 cm of the primary beam
- The patient is a child
- Shielding would obscure the area of diagnostic interest (Correct answer)
- The patient is of reproductive age
Correct answer: Shielding would obscure the area of diagnostic interest
Gonad shielding should not be applied if it will cover the area being imaged, as this would compromise diagnostic quality.
Question 6: The RAO position for an esophagram places the esophagus:
- Superimposed over the vertebral column
- Between the vertebral column and the heart (Correct answer)
- Anterior to the trachea
- Posterior to the aortic arch
Correct answer: Between the vertebral column and the heart
The RAO position rotates the patient so the esophagus is projected between the spine and the cardiac shadow, providing optimal visualization.
Question 7: During the course of radiographing a pediatric patient, the child becomes inconsolable and begins to cry. The best approach is to:
- Restrain the child immediately using a Pigg-O-Stat
- Pause briefly, speak calmly to the child and/or parent, and allow a moment to calm before continuing (Correct answer)
- Increase speed and complete all exposures as quickly as possible regardless of motion
- Dismiss the parent from the room to reduce stimulation
Correct answer: Pause briefly, speak calmly to the child and/or parent, and allow a moment to calm before continuing
A brief, calm pause with reassurance from the technologist and parent reduces anxiety and often results in better cooperation and fewer repeat exposures.
GXMO Patient Care and Positioning 3
A patient is scheduled for a barium swallow examination but states they ate a full meal two hours ago.
The technologist should: