X-Ray Certification Patient Care and Positioning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct breathing instruction for a PA chest radiograph?
- Breathe normally throughout the exposure
- Take a deep breath and hold it (Correct answer)
- Exhale fully and hold it
- Breathe in halfway and hold it
Correct answer: Take a deep breath and hold it
A full inspiration on a PA chest radiograph maximizes lung field visualization and depresses the diaphragm for optimal imaging.
Question 2: A patient with severe kyphosis requires a lateral lumbar spine radiograph. The best adaptation is to:
- Use a horizontal central ray regardless of spine curvature
- Place a radiolucent support under the waist to align the spine parallel to the IR
- Have the patient stand for the lateral projection only
- Angle the central ray perpendicular to the long axis of the curved spine (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Angle the central ray perpendicular to the long axis of the curved spine
Angling the central ray perpendicular to the curved lumbar spine ensures the intervertebral spaces open properly despite the kyphosis.
Question 3: During abdominal radiography, the patient should ideally be asked to:
- Take a deep breath and hold it in
- Exhale and suspend respiration (Correct answer)
- Breathe normally during the exposure
- Inhale halfway and hold it
Correct answer: Exhale and suspend respiration
Expiration on an AP abdomen reduces the diaphragm position and minimizes respiratory motion blur of abdominal organs.
Question 4: A patient states they have a latex allergy. Which action should the radiologic technologist take?
- Continue the procedure; latex allergies are rarely serious
- Document and notify the radiologist, and use latex-free supplies (Correct answer)
- Use latex gloves but keep the procedure short
- Only avoid latex if the allergy is severe
Correct answer: Document and notify the radiologist, and use latex-free supplies
Latex allergies can cause anaphylaxis, so the technologist must notify the radiologist and switch to latex-free supplies to ensure patient safety.
Question 5: Which projection best demonstrates the intervertebral foramina of the cervical spine?
- AP projection
- Lateral projection
- 45-degree oblique projection (Correct answer)
- Swimmer's lateral
Correct answer: 45-degree oblique projection
45-degree oblique projections of the cervical spine open the intervertebral foramina on the side closest to the IR.
Question 6: When performing a KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder) radiograph, the lower border of the IR should be placed at the level of:
- The iliac crest
- The symphysis pubis (Correct answer)
- The umbilicus
- The ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine)
Correct answer: The symphysis pubis
The IR lower border should be at the symphysis pubis to include the bladder, ensuring the entire urinary tract is captured.
Question 7: A diabetic patient shows signs of hypoglycemia during a radiographic procedure. The technologist should FIRST:
- Complete the exam quickly before symptoms worsen
- Call for medical assistance immediately and stay with the patient (Correct answer)
- Administer an insulin injection
- Perform a blood pressure check and continue
Correct answer: Call for medical assistance immediately and stay with the patient
Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency requiring immediate assistance; the technologist should call for help and monitor the patient.
X-Ray Certification Patient Care and Positioning 3
Which of the following is the correct breathing instruction for a PA chest radiograph?