Radiologic Science Practice Exam – Questions
And Answers With Rationales
1. Which projection best demonstrates the intervertebral
foramina of the cervical spine?
A. AP projection
B. Lateral projection
C. Oblique projection
D. PA projection
Rationale: The oblique cervical spine projection demonstrates
the intervertebral foramina, not AP or lateral projections.
2. The central ray for an AP chest projection is directed at which
level?
A. T7
B. Mid-sternum
C. C7
D. T12
Rationale: For an AP chest, the central ray is directed to mid-
sternum, ensuring coverage of the lungs.
3. Which projection is most commonly used to visualize the right
colic flexure?
A. Lateral decubitus
B. AP oblique (RAO)
C. PA axial
D. AP supine
Rationale: RAO position projects the right colic flexure free from
superimposition.
4. For a lateral projection of the elbow, the elbow should be
flexed how many degrees?
A. 90°
, B. 90°
C. 45°
D. 180°
Rationale: Flexing the elbow 90° provides a true lateral view
and separates humeral epicondyles.
5. Which position best demonstrates the scapulohumeral joint?
A. AP shoulder
B. Grashey (AP oblique)
C. Lateral scapula
D. Axillary
Rationale: The Grashey method opens the glenohumeral joint
space for diagnostic evaluation.
6. The PA projection of the wrist requires the hand to be placed
how?
A. Supine
B. Flexed
C. Pronated with fingers extended
D. Radial deviation
Rationale: PA wrist is done with the palm down (pronated) and
fingers extended to avoid distortion.
7. Which projection demonstrates the left lung without
superimposition of the heart?
A. RAO chest
B. LAO chest
C. AP chest
D. Lateral decubitus
Rationale: RAO chest projects the heart off the left lung for
better visualization.
8. The AP axial (Towne method) projection of the skull requires
the central ray to be angled how?
A. 0°
, B. 10° cephalad
C. 30° caudad
D. 45° caudad
Rationale: Towne method requires a caudal angle to project
occipital structures through the foramen magnum.
9. Which projection is preferred for a trauma patient suspected
of a cervical fracture?
A. Lateral cervical flexion
B. Cross-table lateral cervical
C. AP open-mouth
D. Swimmer’s view
Rationale: Cross-table lateral can be performed without moving
a trauma patient, reducing risk of further injury.
10. For a PA projection of the hand, how should the fingers
be positioned?
A. Flexed
B. Extended and slightly separated
C. Extended and separated
D. Clenched
Rationale: Proper extension and separation prevent overlap of
phalanges for optimal detail.
11. The primary purpose of the collimator is to:
A. Increase density
B. Decrease contrast
C. Restrict the x-ray beam to the area of interest
D. Filter out scatter radiation
Rationale: Collimators reduce patient dose and improve image
quality by limiting the beam.
12. Which part of the x-ray tube produces electrons?
A. Anode
B. Filament
And Answers With Rationales
1. Which projection best demonstrates the intervertebral
foramina of the cervical spine?
A. AP projection
B. Lateral projection
C. Oblique projection
D. PA projection
Rationale: The oblique cervical spine projection demonstrates
the intervertebral foramina, not AP or lateral projections.
2. The central ray for an AP chest projection is directed at which
level?
A. T7
B. Mid-sternum
C. C7
D. T12
Rationale: For an AP chest, the central ray is directed to mid-
sternum, ensuring coverage of the lungs.
3. Which projection is most commonly used to visualize the right
colic flexure?
A. Lateral decubitus
B. AP oblique (RAO)
C. PA axial
D. AP supine
Rationale: RAO position projects the right colic flexure free from
superimposition.
4. For a lateral projection of the elbow, the elbow should be
flexed how many degrees?
A. 90°
, B. 90°
C. 45°
D. 180°
Rationale: Flexing the elbow 90° provides a true lateral view
and separates humeral epicondyles.
5. Which position best demonstrates the scapulohumeral joint?
A. AP shoulder
B. Grashey (AP oblique)
C. Lateral scapula
D. Axillary
Rationale: The Grashey method opens the glenohumeral joint
space for diagnostic evaluation.
6. The PA projection of the wrist requires the hand to be placed
how?
A. Supine
B. Flexed
C. Pronated with fingers extended
D. Radial deviation
Rationale: PA wrist is done with the palm down (pronated) and
fingers extended to avoid distortion.
7. Which projection demonstrates the left lung without
superimposition of the heart?
A. RAO chest
B. LAO chest
C. AP chest
D. Lateral decubitus
Rationale: RAO chest projects the heart off the left lung for
better visualization.
8. The AP axial (Towne method) projection of the skull requires
the central ray to be angled how?
A. 0°
, B. 10° cephalad
C. 30° caudad
D. 45° caudad
Rationale: Towne method requires a caudal angle to project
occipital structures through the foramen magnum.
9. Which projection is preferred for a trauma patient suspected
of a cervical fracture?
A. Lateral cervical flexion
B. Cross-table lateral cervical
C. AP open-mouth
D. Swimmer’s view
Rationale: Cross-table lateral can be performed without moving
a trauma patient, reducing risk of further injury.
10. For a PA projection of the hand, how should the fingers
be positioned?
A. Flexed
B. Extended and slightly separated
C. Extended and separated
D. Clenched
Rationale: Proper extension and separation prevent overlap of
phalanges for optimal detail.
11. The primary purpose of the collimator is to:
A. Increase density
B. Decrease contrast
C. Restrict the x-ray beam to the area of interest
D. Filter out scatter radiation
Rationale: Collimators reduce patient dose and improve image
quality by limiting the beam.
12. Which part of the x-ray tube produces electrons?
A. Anode
B. Filament
