ARRT® Radiography Certification Exam 2026: Comprehensive
Radiologic Technologist Practice Test — Patient Care, Radiation
Safety, Image Production & Radiographic Procedures — 190
Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
DOMAIN 1: PATIENT CARE AND INTERACTIONS (Questions 1–33)
Question 1
A patient arrives for an outpatient chest radiograph and appears visibly anxious. Which
communication technique best reduces the patient’s anxiety before the procedure?
A. Speak quickly to finish the explanation sooner
B. Use complex medical terminology to demonstrate expertise
C. Use layman’s terms and explain what the patient will experience
D. Avoid eye contact to reduce perceived pressure
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Using clear, simple language and explaining the procedure reduces anxiety and
builds trust. Complex terminology and rushing increase patient distress.
Question 2
A radiographer notices that a patient’s identification band does not match the requisition.
What is the appropriate action?
A. Proceed with the examination and verify later
B. Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth
C. Stop and resolve the discrepancy before continuing
D. Notify the referring physician and proceed
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Patient identification must be verified before any procedure. Discrepancies
must be resolved to prevent wrong-patient errors.
Question 3
Which of the following is considered a violation of HIPAA?
A. Discussing a patient’s condition in a private office with the care team
B. Discussing a patient’s radiograph in a hospital elevator with a colleague
C. Documenting patient care in the electronic medical record
D. Providing a patient with a copy of their own imaging report
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Discussing patient information in public areas where it can be overheard
violates HIPAA privacy rules. Clinical discussions must occur in private settings.
Question 4
A patient with a known latex allergy requires a radiographic examination. Which precaution
is most appropriate?
A. Use vinyl gloves only
B. Use latex-free gloves and ensure all equipment is latex-free
C. Proceed as normal since the allergy is mild
D. Apply a lead apron over the patient’s hands
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Latex-free precautions are essential for patients with latex allergy to prevent
anaphylactic reactions. All equipment contacting the patient must be latex-free.
Question 5
During an examination, a patient begins to experience an anaphylactic reaction to contrast
media. What is the first action the radiographer should take?
A. Call for emergency assistance and administer epinephrine if protocol allows
B. Finish the examination quickly
C. Place the patient in a supine position and elevate the legs
D. Document the reaction and continue imaging
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical
intervention, including epinephrine administration per protocol.
Question 6
Which of the following is an example of a patient’s right under the AHA Patient Care
Partnership?
A. The right to demand unnecessary tests
B. The right to receive an explanation of the bill
C. The right to refuse all care
D. The right to choose their radiographer
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: The AHA Patient Care Partnership outlines patient rights, including the right to
receive an explanation of the bill and understand charges.
Question 7
A non-English-speaking patient is scheduled for a barium enema. How should the
radiographer ensure informed consent?
A. Use a family member to translate
B. Proceed without consent because the procedure is routine
C. Use a certified medical interpreter
D. Provide written information in English only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Informed consent requires clear communication in the patient’s language.
Certified interpreters ensure understanding and legal validity.
Question 8
Which of the following is the best method to prevent the spread of infection when moving
from a contaminated area to a clean area?
A. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
B. Remove PPE in the correct sequence and perform hand hygiene
C. Wipe equipment with alcohol
D. Change scrubs
Correct Answer: B
Radiologic Technologist Practice Test — Patient Care, Radiation
Safety, Image Production & Radiographic Procedures — 190
Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales
DOMAIN 1: PATIENT CARE AND INTERACTIONS (Questions 1–33)
Question 1
A patient arrives for an outpatient chest radiograph and appears visibly anxious. Which
communication technique best reduces the patient’s anxiety before the procedure?
A. Speak quickly to finish the explanation sooner
B. Use complex medical terminology to demonstrate expertise
C. Use layman’s terms and explain what the patient will experience
D. Avoid eye contact to reduce perceived pressure
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Using clear, simple language and explaining the procedure reduces anxiety and
builds trust. Complex terminology and rushing increase patient distress.
Question 2
A radiographer notices that a patient’s identification band does not match the requisition.
What is the appropriate action?
A. Proceed with the examination and verify later
B. Ask the patient to state their name and date of birth
C. Stop and resolve the discrepancy before continuing
D. Notify the referring physician and proceed
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Patient identification must be verified before any procedure. Discrepancies
must be resolved to prevent wrong-patient errors.
Question 3
Which of the following is considered a violation of HIPAA?
A. Discussing a patient’s condition in a private office with the care team
B. Discussing a patient’s radiograph in a hospital elevator with a colleague
C. Documenting patient care in the electronic medical record
D. Providing a patient with a copy of their own imaging report
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Discussing patient information in public areas where it can be overheard
violates HIPAA privacy rules. Clinical discussions must occur in private settings.
Question 4
A patient with a known latex allergy requires a radiographic examination. Which precaution
is most appropriate?
A. Use vinyl gloves only
B. Use latex-free gloves and ensure all equipment is latex-free
C. Proceed as normal since the allergy is mild
D. Apply a lead apron over the patient’s hands
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: Latex-free precautions are essential for patients with latex allergy to prevent
anaphylactic reactions. All equipment contacting the patient must be latex-free.
Question 5
During an examination, a patient begins to experience an anaphylactic reaction to contrast
media. What is the first action the radiographer should take?
A. Call for emergency assistance and administer epinephrine if protocol allows
B. Finish the examination quickly
C. Place the patient in a supine position and elevate the legs
D. Document the reaction and continue imaging
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical
intervention, including epinephrine administration per protocol.
Question 6
Which of the following is an example of a patient’s right under the AHA Patient Care
Partnership?
A. The right to demand unnecessary tests
B. The right to receive an explanation of the bill
C. The right to refuse all care
D. The right to choose their radiographer
Correct Answer: B
, Explanation: The AHA Patient Care Partnership outlines patient rights, including the right to
receive an explanation of the bill and understand charges.
Question 7
A non-English-speaking patient is scheduled for a barium enema. How should the
radiographer ensure informed consent?
A. Use a family member to translate
B. Proceed without consent because the procedure is routine
C. Use a certified medical interpreter
D. Provide written information in English only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Informed consent requires clear communication in the patient’s language.
Certified interpreters ensure understanding and legal validity.
Question 8
Which of the following is the best method to prevent the spread of infection when moving
from a contaminated area to a clean area?
A. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
B. Remove PPE in the correct sequence and perform hand hygiene
C. Wipe equipment with alcohol
D. Change scrubs
Correct Answer: B