Radiographic Positioning – Comprehensive
Practice Exam
EXAM OVERVIEW
Radiographic positioning is a core component of radiologic technology,
requiring mastery of anatomical landmarks, projection terminology, and
the correct positioning of patients to obtain diagnostic images while
minimizing radiation exposure. This exam covers the appendicular and
axial skeleton, chest and abdominal radiography, trauma and special
projections, and common positioning errors.
SECTION 1: General Terminology & Principles (Questions 1-20)
Q1. The vertical plane that divides the body into equal right and left
halves is the:
• A) Coronal plane
• B) Sagittal plane
• C) Midsagittal plane (median plane)
• D) Transverse plane
Answer: C – The midsagittal (median) plane divides the body into equal
right and left halves. The sagittal plane divides it into unequal right and left
portions .
Q2. A projection in which the central ray skims a body part to project it
in profile is termed:
• A) Axial
• B) Tangential
• C) Oblique
, • D) Decubitus
Answer: B – A tangential projection is used to project a body part in profile,
often to visualize structures that would otherwise be obscured .
Q3. A patient who is lying down in any position is described as being in
a:
• A) Erect position
• B) Recumbent position
• C) Decubitus position
• D) Trendelenburg position
Answer: B – The term "recumbent" refers to lying down in any position. The
supine position is lying face up, while the prone position is lying face down
[citation:1, 3].
Q4. The long axis of the part being imaged should be placed __________
to the long axis of the image receptor.
• A) Perpendicular
• B) Parallel
• C) At a 45-degree angle
• D) Independent
Answer: B – A general rule of radiographic positioning is to place the long
axis of the part parallel to the long axis of the image receptor to ensure the
entire structure is captured .
Q5. The central ray (CR) is defined as:
• A) The primary x-ray beam
• B) The center of the x-ray beam
, • C) The image receptor
• D) The patient's midline
Answer: B – The central ray (CR) is the center of the primary x-ray beam and
is directed toward the area of interest .
Q6. Which term describes the top or anterior surface of the foot?
• A) Plantar
• B) Dorsum
• C) Palmar
• D) Volar
Answer: B – The dorsum is the top or anterior surface of the foot. The
plantar surface is the sole of the foot. Palmar refers to the palm of the
hand .
Q7. Moving the foot and toes downward is termed:
• A) Dorsiflexion
• B) Plantar flexion
• C) Eversion
• D) Inversion
Answer: B – Plantar flexion is the movement of the foot and toes downward
(pointing the toes). Dorsiflexion is moving the foot upward .
Q8. The term "abduct" means to:
• A) Draw toward the body
• B) Draw away from the body
• C) Turn outward
, • D) Bend forward
Answer: B – Abduction is the movement of a body part away from the
midline (drawing away from the body). Adduction is movement toward the
body .
Q9. A hypersthenic body habitus is characterized by:
• A) A long, narrow heart
• B) Lungs that are short and broad at the base
• C) A stomach that is vertical and near midline
• D) A build that comprises 50% of the population
Answer: B – The hypersthenic body habitus is characterized by a broad,
deep thorax and a high, transverse stomach. The lungs are short and broad
at the base. The sthenic body type comprises the majority of the
population .
Q10. A radiograph of an AP pelvis reveals that the left obturator
foramen is more open or elongated compared with the right. What
positioning error is present?
• A) Left rotation
• B) Right rotation
• C) Tilt
• D) No error
Answer: B – If the left obturator foramen is more open, the patient is rotated
toward the right, causing the left side to be farther from the IR and appear
more open .
Practice Exam
EXAM OVERVIEW
Radiographic positioning is a core component of radiologic technology,
requiring mastery of anatomical landmarks, projection terminology, and
the correct positioning of patients to obtain diagnostic images while
minimizing radiation exposure. This exam covers the appendicular and
axial skeleton, chest and abdominal radiography, trauma and special
projections, and common positioning errors.
SECTION 1: General Terminology & Principles (Questions 1-20)
Q1. The vertical plane that divides the body into equal right and left
halves is the:
• A) Coronal plane
• B) Sagittal plane
• C) Midsagittal plane (median plane)
• D) Transverse plane
Answer: C – The midsagittal (median) plane divides the body into equal
right and left halves. The sagittal plane divides it into unequal right and left
portions .
Q2. A projection in which the central ray skims a body part to project it
in profile is termed:
• A) Axial
• B) Tangential
• C) Oblique
, • D) Decubitus
Answer: B – A tangential projection is used to project a body part in profile,
often to visualize structures that would otherwise be obscured .
Q3. A patient who is lying down in any position is described as being in
a:
• A) Erect position
• B) Recumbent position
• C) Decubitus position
• D) Trendelenburg position
Answer: B – The term "recumbent" refers to lying down in any position. The
supine position is lying face up, while the prone position is lying face down
[citation:1, 3].
Q4. The long axis of the part being imaged should be placed __________
to the long axis of the image receptor.
• A) Perpendicular
• B) Parallel
• C) At a 45-degree angle
• D) Independent
Answer: B – A general rule of radiographic positioning is to place the long
axis of the part parallel to the long axis of the image receptor to ensure the
entire structure is captured .
Q5. The central ray (CR) is defined as:
• A) The primary x-ray beam
• B) The center of the x-ray beam
, • C) The image receptor
• D) The patient's midline
Answer: B – The central ray (CR) is the center of the primary x-ray beam and
is directed toward the area of interest .
Q6. Which term describes the top or anterior surface of the foot?
• A) Plantar
• B) Dorsum
• C) Palmar
• D) Volar
Answer: B – The dorsum is the top or anterior surface of the foot. The
plantar surface is the sole of the foot. Palmar refers to the palm of the
hand .
Q7. Moving the foot and toes downward is termed:
• A) Dorsiflexion
• B) Plantar flexion
• C) Eversion
• D) Inversion
Answer: B – Plantar flexion is the movement of the foot and toes downward
(pointing the toes). Dorsiflexion is moving the foot upward .
Q8. The term "abduct" means to:
• A) Draw toward the body
• B) Draw away from the body
• C) Turn outward
, • D) Bend forward
Answer: B – Abduction is the movement of a body part away from the
midline (drawing away from the body). Adduction is movement toward the
body .
Q9. A hypersthenic body habitus is characterized by:
• A) A long, narrow heart
• B) Lungs that are short and broad at the base
• C) A stomach that is vertical and near midline
• D) A build that comprises 50% of the population
Answer: B – The hypersthenic body habitus is characterized by a broad,
deep thorax and a high, transverse stomach. The lungs are short and broad
at the base. The sthenic body type comprises the majority of the
population .
Q10. A radiograph of an AP pelvis reveals that the left obturator
foramen is more open or elongated compared with the right. What
positioning error is present?
• A) Left rotation
• B) Right rotation
• C) Tilt
• D) No error
Answer: B – If the left obturator foramen is more open, the patient is rotated
toward the right, causing the left side to be farther from the IR and appear
more open .
