ARRT Exam Prep Actual Exam 2026/2027 – Complete
Exam-Style Q&As | 100% Certified Verified – Pass
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Content Area Overview
This actual examination reflects the comprehensive CT knowledge required for success on the ARRT CT
Registry Exam. It is designed to evaluate the technologist's understanding of patient care, radiation
safety, image production, and imaging procedures in CT. Questions are structured to assess recall of key
concepts, application of clinical algorithms to patient scenarios, and analysis of image quality and
protocol decisions. This authentic question bank represents the real exams used in the course and
serves as a comprehensive resource for radiologic technologists demonstrating mastery of CT content
for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Domain I: Patient Care (13 Questions)
Q1. A 68-year-old patient with a history of mild shellfish allergy is scheduled for an abdominal CT with
intravenous iodinated contrast. The patient reports no prior reaction to contrast media. Which action by
the technologist is most appropriate?
A. Cancel the examination and order an MRI instead
B. Administer 50 mg of oral diphenhydramine and 25 mg of prednisone 1 hour prior to scanning
C. Proceed with the examination using a low-osmolar, non-ionic contrast agent with standard
monitoring
D. Obtain a stat allergy consult from the emergency department before proceeding
C. Proceed with the examination using a low-osmolar, non-ionic contrast agent with standard
monitoring [CORRECT]
The best answer is C. A shellfish allergy is not a reliable predictor of iodinated contrast reaction, and
current ARRT-aligned practice supports proceeding with low-osmolar, non-ionic contrast while
maintaining standard vigilance. Premedication is reserved for patients with a documented prior contrast
reaction, not for unrelated allergies.
Correct Answer: C
,Q2. During a CT pulmonary angiography, a patient develops diffuse urticaria, mild dyspnea, and a blood
pressure of 98/62 mmHg immediately after contrast injection. What is the priority action for the
technologist?
A. Immediately resume scanning to complete the study before symptoms worsen
B. Stop the examination, activate emergency response, and prepare epinephrine per protocol
C. Reassure the patient and continue scanning while observing for further symptoms
D. Administer a second bolus of contrast to dilute the first injection
B. Stop the examination, activate emergency response, and prepare epinephrine per protocol
[CORRECT]
The best answer is B. These signs indicate a moderate contrast reaction with potential for progression to
anaphylaxis. The technologist must stop the scan, call for help, and have emergency medications ready
per facility protocol and BLS/ALS standards.
Correct Answer: B
Q3. A pediatric patient (4 years old) requires a chest CT with contrast. The radiologist orders a dose of 2
mL/kg of non-ionic contrast. The child weighs 18 kg. What is the total contrast volume to be
administered?
A. 32 mL
B. 36 mL
C. 40 mL
D. 44 mL
B. 36 mL [CORRECT]
The best answer is B. At 2 mL/kg for an 18 kg child, the total volume is 36 mL. This is a straightforward
weight-based calculation commonly used in pediatric CT protocols.
Correct Answer: B
Q4. A pregnant patient at 22 weeks gestation presents to the emergency department with acute right
lower quadrant pain. The physician suspects appendicitis and orders a CT abdomen/pelvis. Which
statement best reflects the technologist's role in this situation?
A. Refuse to perform the examination and document the refusal in the patient's chart
B. Perform the examination using the standard adult protocol without modification
C. Consult with the radiologist and physician to confirm necessity, then use dose-reduction techniques if
CT is deemed essential
D. Suggest the patient return after delivery for the examination
,C. Consult with the radiologist and physician to confirm necessity, then use dose-reduction techniques
if CT is deemed essential [CORRECT]
The best answer is C. The technologist does not independently cancel medically necessary exams but
should verify clinical justification and apply ALARA principles—limiting scan range, using lower mA, and
increasing pitch when appropriate.
Correct Answer: C
Q5. A bariatric patient weighing 185 kg requires a CT abdomen/pelvis. The CT scanner table has a weight
limit of 205 kg. Which consideration is most important for the technologist?
A. Use a pediatric protocol to minimize dose
B. Position the patient feet-first and center the anatomy of interest
C. Use the lowest kVp setting available to improve penetration
D. Increase the scan speed to reduce table strain
B. Position the patient feet-first and center the anatomy of interest [CORRECT]
The best answer is B. Proper positioning ensures the region of interest is within the scan field of view
and gantry aperture. While dose optimization matters, positioning is the foundational step for image
quality and patient safety in bariatric imaging.
Correct Answer: B
Q6. A patient scheduled for a routine CT urogram reports a history of asthma controlled with an
albuterol inhaler. The patient has never received iodinated contrast. Which premedication protocol is
indicated?
A. 50 mg prednisone orally at 13 hours, 7 hours, and 1 hour before the examination
B. No premedication is indicated; proceed with standard non-ionic contrast
C. 25 mg diphenhydramine IV 30 minutes before contrast administration
D. 100 mg hydrocortisone IV immediately before scanning
B. No premedication is indicated; proceed with standard non-ionic contrast [CORRECT]
The best answer is B. Well-controlled asthma without a prior contrast reaction does not require
premedication. Current guidelines reserve steroid premedication for patients with documented prior
moderate to severe contrast reactions.
Correct Answer: B
, Q7. During a CT scan, a geriatric patient becomes confused and attempts to get off the table mid-scan.
What is the priority action for the technologist?
A. Continue scanning quickly before the patient moves further
B. Stop the scan immediately, lower the table, and ensure patient safety
C. Call security to restrain the patient
D. Administer sedation without consulting the radiologist
B. Stop the scan immediately, lower the table, and ensure patient safety [CORRECT]
The best answer is B. Patient safety always takes priority over completing the scan. The technologist
must halt the examination, secure the patient, assess for medical causes of confusion, and involve
appropriate clinical staff.
Correct Answer: B
Q8. A patient receiving IV contrast during a CT scan complains of a warm sensation, metallic taste, and
mild nausea. Vital signs remain stable. Which response by the technologist is most appropriate?
A. Call a code blue and prepare for intubation
B. Reassure the patient that these are common, self-limiting sensations and continue monitoring
C. Immediately administer 50 mg of IV diphenhydramine
D. Discontinue the examination and send the patient to the emergency department
B. Reassure the patient that these are common, self-limiting sensations and continue monitoring
[CORRECT]
The best answer is B. Warmth, metallic taste, and mild nausea are typical physiologic responses to
iodinated contrast and usually resolve without intervention. The technologist should reassure the
patient while maintaining observation.
Correct Answer: B
Q9. Which laboratory value is most important to verify before administering iodinated contrast to a
patient with known renal insufficiency?
A. Hemoglobin
B. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
C. Platelet count
D. Serum potassium
B. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [CORRECT]
The best answer is B. Contrast-induced nephropathy risk is directly related to baseline renal function.