SPEX SPEX Radiology and Imaging 5

Question 1

A patient with a pacemaker is referred for cardiac MRI. Which factor is most important in determining whether the scan can proceed safely?

Accepted Answer

Whether the device is labeled MR-Conditional and the scan is performed per manufacturer conditions

Answer

MR-Conditional labeling with adherence to specific conditions (field strength, SAR limits, programming) is the regulatory and safety standard for pacemaker MRI.

Question 2

On a Tc-99m bone scan, a 'superscan' pattern is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Diffusely increased skeletal uptake with absent or faint renal activity

Answer

A superscan reflects diffuse bony metastatic disease (or metabolic bone disease) with such avid skeletal uptake that the kidneys appear faint or absent.

Question 3

Which CT window and level settings are most appropriate for evaluating lung parenchyma?

Accepted Answer

Window width ~1500 HU, window level ~-600 HU

Answer

Lung windows use a wide window (~1500 HU) centered at approximately -600 HU to display the full range of attenuation from air to soft tissue within the lungs.

Question 4

A patient develops sudden onset of urticaria, bronchospasm, and hypotension 5 minutes after IV iodinated contrast administration. The most appropriate immediate treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular epinephrine 0.3 mg (1:1000) and IV fluid resuscitation

Answer

Anaphylactic shock requires immediate IM epinephrine as the first-line treatment; antihistamines and corticosteroids are adjuncts, not primary therapy.

Question 5

The ALARA principle in radiation protection stands for:

Accepted Answer

As Low As Reasonably Achievable

Answer

ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is the guiding principle that radiation exposure should be minimized as much as practical while still achieving the diagnostic or therapeutic goal.

SPEX Exam Practice Test

SPEX Exam Practice Test

SPEX SPEX Radiology and Imaging 5