CERVICAL AND THORACIC SPINE TEST
ACTUAL EXAMINATION TEST 2026 QUESTIONS
WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ A radiograph of an AP thoracic spine projection reveals that the upper
thoracic spine is overexposed. The lower vertebrae have acceptable
density and contrast. Which one of the following modifications will
improve the visibility of the upper thoracic spine?
a. Use a compensating (wedge) filter
b. Place the upper spine under the cathode side of the tube
c. Increase the kV to decrease the contrast of the upper spine
d. Use a breathing technique. Answer: Use a compensating (wedge)
filter
◉ The most posterior aspect of a typical vertebra is the:
a. Pedicle
b. Spinous process
c. Body
d. Laminae. Answer: Spinous process
,◉ Which of the following factors will enhance the visibility of the
vertebral bodies during a lateral projection of the thoracic spine?
a. Increase SID
b. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
c. Use a high kV
d. Flex the spine. Answer: Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
◉ Which of the following projections will project the dens within the
shadow of the foramen magnum?
a. AP projection (Fuchs method)
b. AP open mouth
c. None of the above
d. Twining method. Answer: AP projection (Fuchs method)
◉ Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the left
zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine?
a. RPO
b. Lateral
c. LPO
d. RAO. Answer: RPO
◉ Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal or exaggerated _____ curvature.
a. Lateral
, b. Concave
c. Convex
d. "Swayback" lumbar. Answer: Lateral
◉ A patient enters the emergency department (ED) because of a motor
vehicle accident (MVA). The patient is on a backboard and wearing a
cervical collar. The technologist is concerned about the artifacts that the
collar will project on the spine during the horizontal beam lateral
projection. What should the technologist do in this situation?
a. Remove the cervical collar but be careful not to move the patient's
head
b. Ask the patient to remove the collar herself (for liability reasons)
c. Ask a nurse to remove the collar and to hold the patient's head while
the technologist is initiating the exposure
d. Leave the collar on during the exposure. Answer: Leave the collar on
during the exposure
◉ Which position or projection of the cervical spine will best
demonstrate the zygapophyseal joint spaces between C1 and C2?
a. 45° posterior or anterior oblique
b. Lateral
c. Anteroposterior (AP) axial
d. AP open mouth. Answer: AP open mouth
ACTUAL EXAMINATION TEST 2026 QUESTIONS
WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ A radiograph of an AP thoracic spine projection reveals that the upper
thoracic spine is overexposed. The lower vertebrae have acceptable
density and contrast. Which one of the following modifications will
improve the visibility of the upper thoracic spine?
a. Use a compensating (wedge) filter
b. Place the upper spine under the cathode side of the tube
c. Increase the kV to decrease the contrast of the upper spine
d. Use a breathing technique. Answer: Use a compensating (wedge)
filter
◉ The most posterior aspect of a typical vertebra is the:
a. Pedicle
b. Spinous process
c. Body
d. Laminae. Answer: Spinous process
,◉ Which of the following factors will enhance the visibility of the
vertebral bodies during a lateral projection of the thoracic spine?
a. Increase SID
b. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
c. Use a high kV
d. Flex the spine. Answer: Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
◉ Which of the following projections will project the dens within the
shadow of the foramen magnum?
a. AP projection (Fuchs method)
b. AP open mouth
c. None of the above
d. Twining method. Answer: AP projection (Fuchs method)
◉ Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the left
zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine?
a. RPO
b. Lateral
c. LPO
d. RAO. Answer: RPO
◉ Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal or exaggerated _____ curvature.
a. Lateral
, b. Concave
c. Convex
d. "Swayback" lumbar. Answer: Lateral
◉ A patient enters the emergency department (ED) because of a motor
vehicle accident (MVA). The patient is on a backboard and wearing a
cervical collar. The technologist is concerned about the artifacts that the
collar will project on the spine during the horizontal beam lateral
projection. What should the technologist do in this situation?
a. Remove the cervical collar but be careful not to move the patient's
head
b. Ask the patient to remove the collar herself (for liability reasons)
c. Ask a nurse to remove the collar and to hold the patient's head while
the technologist is initiating the exposure
d. Leave the collar on during the exposure. Answer: Leave the collar on
during the exposure
◉ Which position or projection of the cervical spine will best
demonstrate the zygapophyseal joint spaces between C1 and C2?
a. 45° posterior or anterior oblique
b. Lateral
c. Anteroposterior (AP) axial
d. AP open mouth. Answer: AP open mouth
