RDA Radiographic Techniques and Errors 5

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the appearance of an elongated image on a periapical radiograph?

Accepted Answer

The tooth image appears longer than actual length

Answer

Elongation means the radiographic image of the tooth is longer than the actual tooth, caused by insufficient vertical angulation.

Question 2

A radiograph exhibits a light (underexposed) image overall. Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Excessive kVp setting

Answer

Excessive kVp would produce a darker (overexposed) image, not a lighter one; all other options reduce X-ray energy reaching the receptor.

Question 3

During a mandibular molar periapical exposure, the patient complains the receptor is painful on the floor of the mouth. The BEST solution is to:

Accepted Answer

Use a cotton roll under the receptor to redirect it

Answer

Placing a cotton roll under the edge of the receptor cushions it and redirects pressure away from sensitive tissues on the floor of the mouth.

Question 4

Which panoramic positioning error causes a Cheshire cat or ghost image of the spine to appear in the center of the film?

Accepted Answer

Patient positioned with spine not erect (slouching)

Answer

When the patient slouches or the cervical spine is not straight and upright, the dense vertebral column creates a ghost image superimposed over the midline of the panoramic image.

Question 5

Static electricity artifacts on dental radiographs appear as:

Accepted Answer

Black branching or lightning bolt-like marks

Answer

Static electricity discharge produces characteristic dark, branching, lightning bolt-shaped marks on the processed radiograph.

(RDA) Registered Dental Assistant Practice Test

(RDA) Registered Dental Assistant Practice Test

RDA Radiographic Techniques and Errors 5