RTE 1523C FINAL EXAM | WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION |
UPDATED
CORE DOMAINS
Cervical Spine Radiographic Positioning
Thoracic Spine Radiographic Positioning
Lumbar Spine Radiographic Positioning
Sacrum and Coccyx Positioning
Sternum and Ribs Positioning
Skull and Facial Bones Positioning
Mobile and Trauma Radiography
Image Evaluation and Technical Factors
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive final examination assesses the radiographic
positioning and procedures knowledge required of the radiologic
technology student. It evaluates understanding of standard terminology,
patient positioning, central ray angulation, image evaluation criteria, and
special projections for the vertebral column, bony thorax, and cranium. The
examination employs multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that
simulate realistic clinical encounters. Emphasis is placed on critical
thinking, accurate anatomic localization, radiation protection, and the
application of evidence-based positioning principles in diverse patient
populations. This assessment prepares candidates for the rigor of ARRT
certification and real-world clinical practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. What is the central ray (CR) angulation for an AP axial projection of
the cervical spine?
A. 15°–20° caudad
B. 15°–20° cephalad
C. 30° cephalad
D. Perpendicular to the IR
, B. 15°–20° cephalad
RATIONALE: The AP axial projection of the cervical spine requires the
CR to be angled 15°–20° cephalad. The patient's head is positioned until a
line from the lower margin of the upper incisors to the mastoid tip is
perpendicular to the image receptor. The CR enters at the level of the lower
margin of the thyroid cartilage. A caudad angle is used for the anterior
oblique projections of the cervical spine.
2. What is the recommended degree of obliquity for an RAO
projection of the sternum for a hypersthenic (barrel-chested) patient?
A. 10°
B. 15°
C. 20°
D. 30°
B. 15°
RATIONALE: For a hypersthenic patient, the recommended degree of
obliquity for an RAO projection of the sternum is 15°. For an asthenic
patient, the recommended degree is 20°. The patient's body habitus
determines the degree of rotation required to visualize the sternum free
from superimposition with the spine.
3. Where is the central ray centered for an AP axial projection of the
sacrum?
A. 2 inches above the pubic symphysis
B. 2 inches below the pubic symphysis
C. At the level of the ASIS
D. At the level of the iliac crest
A. 2 inches above the pubic symphysis
RATIONALE: For an AP axial projection of the sacrum, the central ray is
centered 2 inches above the pubic symphysis. The CR is angled cephalad
(typically 15°) to project the sacrum free from superimposition with the
pelvic structures. This positioning demonstrates the sacrum and its
foramina without distortion.
, 4. What is the recommended SID for an erect lateral sternum
position?
A. 40 inches
B. 48 inches
C. 60–72 inches
D. 72 inches
C. 60–72 inches
RATIONALE: The recommended source-to-image receptor distance
(SID) for an erect lateral sternum position is 60–72 inches. This increased
SID reduces magnification and improves image sharpness, which is critical
for evaluating the sternum and its surrounding structures.
5. What type of CR angulation is required for an AP axial projection of
the coccyx?
A. 10° cephalad
B. 10° caudad
C. 15° cephalad
D. 15° caudad
B. 10° caudad
RATIONALE: For an AP axial projection of the coccyx, the central ray is
angled 10° caudad. This angulation projects the coccyx inferiorly and
posteriorly, free from self-superimposition and overlap with the sacrum. A
cephalad angle would superimpose the coccyx over the sacrum.
6. What is the recommended degree of obliquity for an RAO
projection of the sternum for an asthenic type patient?
A. 10°
B. 15°
C. 20°
D. 30°
C. 20°
RATIONALE: For an asthenic (thin, long-bodied) patient, the
UPDATED
CORE DOMAINS
Cervical Spine Radiographic Positioning
Thoracic Spine Radiographic Positioning
Lumbar Spine Radiographic Positioning
Sacrum and Coccyx Positioning
Sternum and Ribs Positioning
Skull and Facial Bones Positioning
Mobile and Trauma Radiography
Image Evaluation and Technical Factors
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive final examination assesses the radiographic
positioning and procedures knowledge required of the radiologic
technology student. It evaluates understanding of standard terminology,
patient positioning, central ray angulation, image evaluation criteria, and
special projections for the vertebral column, bony thorax, and cranium. The
examination employs multiple-choice and scenario-based questions that
simulate realistic clinical encounters. Emphasis is placed on critical
thinking, accurate anatomic localization, radiation protection, and the
application of evidence-based positioning principles in diverse patient
populations. This assessment prepares candidates for the rigor of ARRT
certification and real-world clinical practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. What is the central ray (CR) angulation for an AP axial projection of
the cervical spine?
A. 15°–20° caudad
B. 15°–20° cephalad
C. 30° cephalad
D. Perpendicular to the IR
, B. 15°–20° cephalad
RATIONALE: The AP axial projection of the cervical spine requires the
CR to be angled 15°–20° cephalad. The patient's head is positioned until a
line from the lower margin of the upper incisors to the mastoid tip is
perpendicular to the image receptor. The CR enters at the level of the lower
margin of the thyroid cartilage. A caudad angle is used for the anterior
oblique projections of the cervical spine.
2. What is the recommended degree of obliquity for an RAO
projection of the sternum for a hypersthenic (barrel-chested) patient?
A. 10°
B. 15°
C. 20°
D. 30°
B. 15°
RATIONALE: For a hypersthenic patient, the recommended degree of
obliquity for an RAO projection of the sternum is 15°. For an asthenic
patient, the recommended degree is 20°. The patient's body habitus
determines the degree of rotation required to visualize the sternum free
from superimposition with the spine.
3. Where is the central ray centered for an AP axial projection of the
sacrum?
A. 2 inches above the pubic symphysis
B. 2 inches below the pubic symphysis
C. At the level of the ASIS
D. At the level of the iliac crest
A. 2 inches above the pubic symphysis
RATIONALE: For an AP axial projection of the sacrum, the central ray is
centered 2 inches above the pubic symphysis. The CR is angled cephalad
(typically 15°) to project the sacrum free from superimposition with the
pelvic structures. This positioning demonstrates the sacrum and its
foramina without distortion.
, 4. What is the recommended SID for an erect lateral sternum
position?
A. 40 inches
B. 48 inches
C. 60–72 inches
D. 72 inches
C. 60–72 inches
RATIONALE: The recommended source-to-image receptor distance
(SID) for an erect lateral sternum position is 60–72 inches. This increased
SID reduces magnification and improves image sharpness, which is critical
for evaluating the sternum and its surrounding structures.
5. What type of CR angulation is required for an AP axial projection of
the coccyx?
A. 10° cephalad
B. 10° caudad
C. 15° cephalad
D. 15° caudad
B. 10° caudad
RATIONALE: For an AP axial projection of the coccyx, the central ray is
angled 10° caudad. This angulation projects the coccyx inferiorly and
posteriorly, free from self-superimposition and overlap with the sacrum. A
cephalad angle would superimpose the coccyx over the sacrum.
6. What is the recommended degree of obliquity for an RAO
projection of the sternum for an asthenic type patient?
A. 10°
B. 15°
C. 20°
D. 30°
C. 20°
RATIONALE: For an asthenic (thin, long-bodied) patient, the
