LRA 218 Final Exam 2026/2027 -
Comprehensive Question Bank
Complete Study Guide with Verified Answers
and Rationales
SECTION 1: SHOULDER PROJECTIONS & ANATOMY (Questions 1-50)
Question 1
What is the common term for idiopathic chronic adhesive capsulitis?
A) Frozen Shoulder
B) Rotator Cuff Tear
C) Shoulder Dislocation
D) Bursitis
Answer: A) Frozen Shoulder
Rationale: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is characterized by progressive
pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It is termed "idiopathic" when the cause is
unknown. The condition involves thickening and contraction of the joint capsule,
leading to restricted movement. This is a common diagnosis tested in radiographic
positioning as it affects patient positioning and range of motion during
examinations .
Question 2
Which AP shoulder projection demonstrates the lesser tubercle in profile
medially?
A) External Rotation
B) Internal Rotation
,C) Neutral Rotation
D) Oblique Projection
Answer: B) Internal Rotation
Rationale: In the internal rotation AP shoulder projection, the humerus is rotated
so that the epicondyles are perpendicular to the image receptor. This positioning
brings the lesser tubercle into medial profile. The greater tubercle is profiled
laterally in external rotation. This distinction is crucial for proper radiographic
identification and pathology assessment .
Question 3
For AC joint weight-bearing studies, how should weights be applied?
A) Patients should hold weights in their hands
B) Weights should be attached to the wrists
C) No weights are used for AC joint studies
D) Weights should be placed on the shoulders
Answer: B) Weights should be attached to the wrists
Rationale: Patients should NOT hold weights in their hands as this may cause
muscle contraction and alter joint positioning. Weights are attached to the wrists to
ensure consistent, passive distraction of the AC joint, allowing for accurate
assessment of joint space separation and potential AC joint injury .
Question 4
True or False: A posterior dislocation of the shoulder occurs more frequently
than an anterior dislocation.
Answer: False
Rationale: Anterior dislocation is the most common type of shoulder dislocation,
accounting for approximately 95% of all shoulder dislocations. Posterior
dislocations are relatively rare. This is important to remember for trauma
radiography and positioning considerations .
,Question 5
Is sonography an effective diagnostic tool for studying the shoulder joint?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for rotator cuff tears
D) Only for fractures
Answer: A) Yes
Rationale: Sonography (ultrasound) is highly effective for evaluating shoulder
joint pathology, particularly for rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, and bursitis. It
allows dynamic evaluation during joint movements and is a non-invasive,
radiation-free imaging modality. It is frequently used as a complement to
radiographic studies .
Question 6
A radiograph of an AP axial projection of the clavicle demonstrates the
clavicle within the mid-aspect of the lung apices. What should the technologist
do?
A) Increase the cephalic CR angle during repeat exposure
B) Decrease the cephalic CR angle
C) No correction is needed
D) Increase patient rotation
Answer: A) Increase the cephalic CR angle during repeat exposure
Rationale: When the clavicle appears too inferiorly positioned (within the lung
apices), increasing the cephalic (upward) angle of the central ray will project the
clavicle higher on the image. This demonstrates proper clavicle positioning
superior to the lung apex. The standard AP axial clavicle projection requires a 15-
30° cephalic angle .
, Question 7
For an AP humerus projection, the humeral epicondyles must be to
the image receptor (IR).
A) Perpendicular
B) Parallel
C) 45° Oblique
D) 15° Angled
Answer: B) Parallel
Rationale: The humeral epicondyles must be parallel to the IR for a true AP
projection. This positioning ensures the humerus is not rotated and allows for
proper visualization of the humeral head, tubercles, and surgical neck.
Perpendicular epicondyles would indicate a lateral projection .
Question 8
A patient presents with multiple injuries including a possible fracture of the
left proximal humerus. Which positioning rotation should be performed?
A) AP external rotation only
B) AP internal rotation only
C) AP and horizontal beam transthoracic lateral shoulder projection
D) Lateral scapula projection
Answer: C) AP and horizontal beam transthoracic lateral shoulder projection
Rationale: In trauma situations where a proximal humerus fracture is suspected,
standard positioning may be impossible due to pain or immobilization. The
transthoracic lateral projection (Lawrence method) is performed with a horizontal
beam to demonstrate the proximal humerus without moving the injured extremity,
making it ideal for trauma patients .
Question 9
Comprehensive Question Bank
Complete Study Guide with Verified Answers
and Rationales
SECTION 1: SHOULDER PROJECTIONS & ANATOMY (Questions 1-50)
Question 1
What is the common term for idiopathic chronic adhesive capsulitis?
A) Frozen Shoulder
B) Rotator Cuff Tear
C) Shoulder Dislocation
D) Bursitis
Answer: A) Frozen Shoulder
Rationale: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is characterized by progressive
pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It is termed "idiopathic" when the cause is
unknown. The condition involves thickening and contraction of the joint capsule,
leading to restricted movement. This is a common diagnosis tested in radiographic
positioning as it affects patient positioning and range of motion during
examinations .
Question 2
Which AP shoulder projection demonstrates the lesser tubercle in profile
medially?
A) External Rotation
B) Internal Rotation
,C) Neutral Rotation
D) Oblique Projection
Answer: B) Internal Rotation
Rationale: In the internal rotation AP shoulder projection, the humerus is rotated
so that the epicondyles are perpendicular to the image receptor. This positioning
brings the lesser tubercle into medial profile. The greater tubercle is profiled
laterally in external rotation. This distinction is crucial for proper radiographic
identification and pathology assessment .
Question 3
For AC joint weight-bearing studies, how should weights be applied?
A) Patients should hold weights in their hands
B) Weights should be attached to the wrists
C) No weights are used for AC joint studies
D) Weights should be placed on the shoulders
Answer: B) Weights should be attached to the wrists
Rationale: Patients should NOT hold weights in their hands as this may cause
muscle contraction and alter joint positioning. Weights are attached to the wrists to
ensure consistent, passive distraction of the AC joint, allowing for accurate
assessment of joint space separation and potential AC joint injury .
Question 4
True or False: A posterior dislocation of the shoulder occurs more frequently
than an anterior dislocation.
Answer: False
Rationale: Anterior dislocation is the most common type of shoulder dislocation,
accounting for approximately 95% of all shoulder dislocations. Posterior
dislocations are relatively rare. This is important to remember for trauma
radiography and positioning considerations .
,Question 5
Is sonography an effective diagnostic tool for studying the shoulder joint?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only for rotator cuff tears
D) Only for fractures
Answer: A) Yes
Rationale: Sonography (ultrasound) is highly effective for evaluating shoulder
joint pathology, particularly for rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, and bursitis. It
allows dynamic evaluation during joint movements and is a non-invasive,
radiation-free imaging modality. It is frequently used as a complement to
radiographic studies .
Question 6
A radiograph of an AP axial projection of the clavicle demonstrates the
clavicle within the mid-aspect of the lung apices. What should the technologist
do?
A) Increase the cephalic CR angle during repeat exposure
B) Decrease the cephalic CR angle
C) No correction is needed
D) Increase patient rotation
Answer: A) Increase the cephalic CR angle during repeat exposure
Rationale: When the clavicle appears too inferiorly positioned (within the lung
apices), increasing the cephalic (upward) angle of the central ray will project the
clavicle higher on the image. This demonstrates proper clavicle positioning
superior to the lung apex. The standard AP axial clavicle projection requires a 15-
30° cephalic angle .
, Question 7
For an AP humerus projection, the humeral epicondyles must be to
the image receptor (IR).
A) Perpendicular
B) Parallel
C) 45° Oblique
D) 15° Angled
Answer: B) Parallel
Rationale: The humeral epicondyles must be parallel to the IR for a true AP
projection. This positioning ensures the humerus is not rotated and allows for
proper visualization of the humeral head, tubercles, and surgical neck.
Perpendicular epicondyles would indicate a lateral projection .
Question 8
A patient presents with multiple injuries including a possible fracture of the
left proximal humerus. Which positioning rotation should be performed?
A) AP external rotation only
B) AP internal rotation only
C) AP and horizontal beam transthoracic lateral shoulder projection
D) Lateral scapula projection
Answer: C) AP and horizontal beam transthoracic lateral shoulder projection
Rationale: In trauma situations where a proximal humerus fracture is suspected,
standard positioning may be impossible due to pain or immobilization. The
transthoracic lateral projection (Lawrence method) is performed with a horizontal
beam to demonstrate the proximal humerus without moving the injured extremity,
making it ideal for trauma patients .
Question 9
