LRA 218 Final Exam 2026/2027 --- --- --- --- ---
Comprehensive Questions and Verified --- --- --- ---
Answers with Rationales --- --- ---
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SECTION 1: SHOULDER AND PROXIMAL HUMERUS (Questions 1-50)
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Question 1: --- ---
What is the common term for idiopathic chronic adhesive capsulitis?
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Frozen Shoulder --- --- ---
Rationale: Idiopathic chronic adhesive capsulitis is clinically referred to as
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
"frozen shoulder." This condition involves inflammation and thickening of the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
shoulder joint capsule, leading to pain and restricted movement. The term
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
"frozen" describes the characteristic stiffness and loss of range of motion that
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
patients experience .
--- --- ---
--
-
Question 2: --- ---
Which AP shoulder projection demonstrates the lesser tubercle in profile
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
medially? ---
Answer: Internal Rotation--- --- ---
Rationale: In the internal rotation AP projection of the shoulder, the humerus is
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
rotated internally, which brings the lesser tubercle into profile on the medial
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
aspect of the humeral head. This positioning is essential for visualizing specific
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
anatomical structures and detecting potential fractures or abnormalities .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
,Rationale: ---
Question 3: --- ---
For AC joint weight-bearing studies, should patients hold weights with their
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
hands or have weights attached to their wrists?
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Weights should be attached to the wrist
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
During AC joint weight-bearing studies, patients should not grip --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
weights with their hands because this activates the shoulder musculature and can
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- -
alter the joint space appearance. Attaching weights to the wrists allows gravity
-- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
to stress the AC joint without muscular contraction interference, providing a
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
more accurate assessment of joint space width .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 4: --- ---
True or False: A posterior dislocation of the shoulder occurs more frequently
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
than an anterior dislocation.
--- --- --- ---
Answer: False --- ---
Rationale: Anterior shoulder dislocations are significantly more common than
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
posterior dislocations, accounting for approximately 95% of all shoulder
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
dislocations. Posterior dislocations are relatively rare, comprising only 2-4% of
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
shoulder dislocations, and are often associated with seizure activity or electrical
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
injury . --- ---
--
-
Question 5: --- ---
Is sonography an effective diagnostic tool for studying the shoulder joint?
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: True --- ---
Rationale: Sonography (ultrasound) is indeed an effective diagnostic modality
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
for evaluating shoulder joint pathology. It provides real-time dynamic
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
assessment of rotator cuff tendons, the biceps tendon, and can detect tears,
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
tendinopathy, and joint effusion without radiation exposure . --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
,Rationale: ---
Question 6: --- ---
A radiograph of an AP axial projection of the clavicle demonstrates that the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
clavicle is within the mid-aspect of the lung apices. What should the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
technologist do to correct this error? --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Increase the cephalic CR angle during repeat exposure
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
When the clavicle appears within the mid-aspect of the lung apices on
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
an AP axial projection, this indicates that the central ray angle was insufficient.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Increasing the cephalic angle of the central ray will project the clavicle
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
superiorly to its proper position above the lung apices .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 7: --- ---
The AP humerus requires that the humeral epicondyles are ________ to the IR.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Parallel --- ---
Rationale: For an AP projection of the humerus, the humeral epicondyles
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
must be parallel to the image receptor to ensure the humerus is in true AP
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
position. This positioning eliminates rotation and provides an accurate
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
anatomical representation . --- --- ---
--
-
Question 8: --- ---
A patient enters the department with multiple injuries including a possible
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
fracture of the left proximal humerus. Which positioning routine should be
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
performed? Answer: AP and horizontal beam transthoracic lateral shoulder
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
projection ---
Rationale: For trauma patients with suspected proximal humerus fractures, the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
AP projection should be performed along with a horizontal beam transthoracic
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
lateral projection. The horizontal beam technique allows for imaging without
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
moving the injured extremity, reducing the risk of further injury while still
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
providing diagnostic images . --- --- --- ---
, Rationale: ---
--
-
Question 9: --- ---
A lateral elbow radiograph demonstrates about half of the radial head
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
superimposed by the coronoid process of the ulna. Which of the following
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
occurred? ---
Answer: No positioning errors occurred
--- --- --- --- ---
In a properly positioned lateral elbow, it is normal to see approximately
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
half of the radial head superimposed by the coronoid process of the ulna. This
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
appearance indicates correct positioning and does not represent an error .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 10: --- ---
A radiograph of the elbow demonstrates the radius directly superimposed over
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
the ulna and the coronoid process in profile. Which projection has been
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
performed? ---
Answer: Medial rotation oblique
--- --- --- ---
Rationale: When the radius is directly superimposed over the ulna and the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
coronoid process appears in profile, this indicates a medial rotation oblique
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
projection of the elbow. This positioning is used to evaluate specific elbow
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
structures that are not well visualized in other projections .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 11: --- ---
Which routine projection of the elbow will best demonstrate an elevated or
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
visible posterior fat pad?
--- --- --- ---
Answer: True lateral with 90º flexion
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Rationale: The true lateral projection of the elbow with 90 degrees of flexion
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
is the optimal projection for demonstrating a posterior fat pad sign. The fat pad
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
becomes visible when joint effusion displaces the fat, which is best appreciated
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
in this projection .
--- --- --- ---
Comprehensive Questions and Verified --- --- --- ---
Answers with Rationales --- --- ---
--
-
SECTION 1: SHOULDER AND PROXIMAL HUMERUS (Questions 1-50)
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 1: --- ---
What is the common term for idiopathic chronic adhesive capsulitis?
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Frozen Shoulder --- --- ---
Rationale: Idiopathic chronic adhesive capsulitis is clinically referred to as
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
"frozen shoulder." This condition involves inflammation and thickening of the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
shoulder joint capsule, leading to pain and restricted movement. The term
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
"frozen" describes the characteristic stiffness and loss of range of motion that
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
patients experience .
--- --- ---
--
-
Question 2: --- ---
Which AP shoulder projection demonstrates the lesser tubercle in profile
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
medially? ---
Answer: Internal Rotation--- --- ---
Rationale: In the internal rotation AP projection of the shoulder, the humerus is
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
rotated internally, which brings the lesser tubercle into profile on the medial
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
aspect of the humeral head. This positioning is essential for visualizing specific
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
anatomical structures and detecting potential fractures or abnormalities .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
,Rationale: ---
Question 3: --- ---
For AC joint weight-bearing studies, should patients hold weights with their
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
hands or have weights attached to their wrists?
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Weights should be attached to the wrist
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
During AC joint weight-bearing studies, patients should not grip --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
weights with their hands because this activates the shoulder musculature and can
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- -
alter the joint space appearance. Attaching weights to the wrists allows gravity
-- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
to stress the AC joint without muscular contraction interference, providing a
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
more accurate assessment of joint space width .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 4: --- ---
True or False: A posterior dislocation of the shoulder occurs more frequently
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
than an anterior dislocation.
--- --- --- ---
Answer: False --- ---
Rationale: Anterior shoulder dislocations are significantly more common than
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
posterior dislocations, accounting for approximately 95% of all shoulder
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
dislocations. Posterior dislocations are relatively rare, comprising only 2-4% of
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
shoulder dislocations, and are often associated with seizure activity or electrical
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
injury . --- ---
--
-
Question 5: --- ---
Is sonography an effective diagnostic tool for studying the shoulder joint?
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: True --- ---
Rationale: Sonography (ultrasound) is indeed an effective diagnostic modality
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
for evaluating shoulder joint pathology. It provides real-time dynamic
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
assessment of rotator cuff tendons, the biceps tendon, and can detect tears,
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
tendinopathy, and joint effusion without radiation exposure . --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
,Rationale: ---
Question 6: --- ---
A radiograph of an AP axial projection of the clavicle demonstrates that the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
clavicle is within the mid-aspect of the lung apices. What should the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
technologist do to correct this error? --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Increase the cephalic CR angle during repeat exposure
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
When the clavicle appears within the mid-aspect of the lung apices on
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
an AP axial projection, this indicates that the central ray angle was insufficient.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Increasing the cephalic angle of the central ray will project the clavicle
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
superiorly to its proper position above the lung apices .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 7: --- ---
The AP humerus requires that the humeral epicondyles are ________ to the IR.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Answer: Parallel --- ---
Rationale: For an AP projection of the humerus, the humeral epicondyles
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
must be parallel to the image receptor to ensure the humerus is in true AP
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
position. This positioning eliminates rotation and provides an accurate
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
anatomical representation . --- --- ---
--
-
Question 8: --- ---
A patient enters the department with multiple injuries including a possible
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
fracture of the left proximal humerus. Which positioning routine should be
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
performed? Answer: AP and horizontal beam transthoracic lateral shoulder
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
projection ---
Rationale: For trauma patients with suspected proximal humerus fractures, the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
AP projection should be performed along with a horizontal beam transthoracic
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
lateral projection. The horizontal beam technique allows for imaging without
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
moving the injured extremity, reducing the risk of further injury while still
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
providing diagnostic images . --- --- --- ---
, Rationale: ---
--
-
Question 9: --- ---
A lateral elbow radiograph demonstrates about half of the radial head
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
superimposed by the coronoid process of the ulna. Which of the following
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
occurred? ---
Answer: No positioning errors occurred
--- --- --- --- ---
In a properly positioned lateral elbow, it is normal to see approximately
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
half of the radial head superimposed by the coronoid process of the ulna. This
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
appearance indicates correct positioning and does not represent an error .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 10: --- ---
A radiograph of the elbow demonstrates the radius directly superimposed over
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
the ulna and the coronoid process in profile. Which projection has been
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
performed? ---
Answer: Medial rotation oblique
--- --- --- ---
Rationale: When the radius is directly superimposed over the ulna and the
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
coronoid process appears in profile, this indicates a medial rotation oblique
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
projection of the elbow. This positioning is used to evaluate specific elbow
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
structures that are not well visualized in other projections .
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
--
-
Question 11: --- ---
Which routine projection of the elbow will best demonstrate an elevated or
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
visible posterior fat pad?
--- --- --- ---
Answer: True lateral with 90º flexion
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Rationale: The true lateral projection of the elbow with 90 degrees of flexion
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
is the optimal projection for demonstrating a posterior fat pad sign. The fat pad
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
becomes visible when joint effusion displaces the fat, which is best appreciated
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
in this projection .
--- --- --- ---
