MEAGHAN PIRETTI Exam Prep | Practice Questions &
Answers with Detailed Rationales Instant Download
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
I. Patient Care & Safety
Fluoroscopy time limits and alarms
Boost mode/High level control usage
Source to skin distance requirements
DAP meter location and function
Dead man switch operation
Grid removal in stationary fluoroscopy
AEC operation and backup timers
II. Upper Extremity Positioning
Hand digits anatomy and positioning (PA, oblique, lateral)
Thumb anatomy and positioning (AP, oblique, lateral)
Carpal bones identification (proximal and distal rows)
Wrist projections (PA, lateral, oblique, ulnar deviation, Stecher, Gaynor-Hart)
Forearm positioning (AP, lateral, internal/external oblique)
Elbow projections (AP, lateral, medial/lateral oblique, trauma axial Coyle method)
Humerus projections (AP, lateral, neutral, transthoracic)
Shoulder projections (internal/external rotation, Grashey, Y-view, Neer, Lawrence)
III. Lower Extremity Positioning
Foot anatomy and projections (AP axial, medial/lateral oblique, lateral, weight-bearing)
Toe positioning (AP, oblique, lateral, sesamoid views)
Calcaneus projections (lateral, axial views)
Ankle projections (AP, mortise, lateral, oblique, stress, weight-bearing)
Tibia/fibula positioning
Knee projections (AP, lateral, oblique, weight-bearing, tunnel views)
Patella views (Merchant, Settegast, PA)
Femur positioning (AP, lateral)
Hip projections (AP, frog, cross-table lateral, Clements-Nakayama)
Pelvis projections (AP, inlet/outlet, Judet views)
IV. Positioning Criteria and Pathology
, Fracture types (transverse, oblique, spiral, comminuted, segmental, greenstick, impacted,
compound, simple, displaced, avulsion, compression, stress, pathologic)
Trauma considerations and modifications
Cast techniques (plaster, wet plaster, fiberglass)
Joint spaces and articulations
Pathologic conditions (Osgood-Schlatter, flail chest, pneumothorax, pleural effusion,
atelectasis, emphysema, TB, pneumoperitoneum, ascites, volvulus, ileus, Hirschsprung)
V. Spine and Pelvis Imaging
Cervical spine (AP axial, open mouth, lateral, oblique, swimmers, flexion/extension, Fuchs)
Thoracic spine (AP, lateral, breathing technique)
Lumbar spine (AP, lateral, obliques, L5-S1 spot, flexion/extension)
Sacrum and coccyx (AP axial, lateral, combined views)
SI joints (AP axial, posterior/anterior obliques)
Scoliosis imaging (PA, lateral, erect/recumbent)
Scotty dog anatomy
VI. Chest and Abdomen
Chest projections (PA, lateral, AP lordotic, AP supine, lateral decubitus)
Rib positioning (above/below diaphragm, anterior/posterior obliques)
Sternum imaging (lateral, RAO)
Abdomen projections (AP supine, AP upright, lateral decubitus, dorsal decubitus)
Tube/line placement (ET tube, NG tube, OG tube, chest tube, Swan-Ganz, PICC)
AEC chamber selection for chest
VII. Skull and Facial Bones
Skull projections (Towne, lateral, Caldwell, PA, SMV, trauma views)
Facial bones (lateral, Waters, Caldwell, modified Waters)
Mandible projections (axiolateral oblique, PA, AP axial, PA axial)
TMJ projections (modified Law, modified Schuller, modified Towne)
Sinus projections (lateral, Caldwell, Waters, SMV, open mouth Waters)
Nasal bones (Waters, lateral, PA axial)
VIII. Contrast Studies and Special Procedures
GI Studies (esophagus, UGI, SBFT, barium enema)
Contrast types (barium sulfate, water soluble iodinated)
IVU (intravenous urography)
Cystography and voiding cystourethrography
, Retrograde urography
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
ERCP and cholangiography
Myelography
Arthrography
Bone age, bone survey, long bone measurement
IX. Physics and Radiation Protection
Inverse square law
Direct square law
Grid conversion factors
15% rule
mAs calculations
Heat unit calculations
Electrical formulas (V=IR, P=IV)
Temperature conversion
Electron shell capacity
Turns ratio calculations
Compton vs Photoelectric effect
Image quality factors (mA, kVp, OID, SID, focal spot, grids, filtration, beam restriction,
motion, anode heel effect, patient factors, angle)
250 EXAM QUESTIONS
1. A patient presents with a possible scaphoid fracture. The technologist performs both the PA
ulnar deviation and PA axial projections. What is the maximum number of carpal bones that
can be visualized in the proximal row on these images?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Correct Answer: c) 4
, The proximal row of carpal bones consists of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform, totaling
four bones. The PA ulnar deviation and PA axial (Stecher) views are specifically designed to best
visualize the scaphoid bone.
2. During a fluoroscopic procedure, the technologist notices the 5-minute alarm has sounded.
What action should be taken immediately?
a) Continue the procedure and document the time
b) Terminate the procedure completely
c) Record the time and notify the radiologist
d) Increase the mA to compensate
Correct Answer: c) Record the time and notify the radiologist
The 5-minute fluoroscopy alarm is a safety mechanism that alerts the operator to the elapsed time.
The technologist must document the time and inform the radiologist so they can evaluate whether
continued fluoroscopy is necessary.
3. A radiograph of the hand is taken with the CR directed to the 3rd MCP joint and the hand
rotated 45 degrees externally. The SID is 40 inches. Which projection has been performed?
a) PA hand
b) Lateral hand
c) Oblique hand
d) PA finger
Correct Answer: c) Oblique hand
The oblique hand projection requires the CR to be directed to the 3rd metacarpophalangeal joint, the
hand rotated 45 degrees externally (laterally), and a 40-inch SID. This positioning separates the
metacarpals and phalanges for optimal visualization.
4. A patient with a suspected elbow fracture cannot fully extend their elbow. The technologist
positions the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion and applies a 10-15 degree tube angle. What
projection is being performed?
a) AP elbow with partial flexion
b) Lateral oblique elbow
Answers with Detailed Rationales Instant Download
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
I. Patient Care & Safety
Fluoroscopy time limits and alarms
Boost mode/High level control usage
Source to skin distance requirements
DAP meter location and function
Dead man switch operation
Grid removal in stationary fluoroscopy
AEC operation and backup timers
II. Upper Extremity Positioning
Hand digits anatomy and positioning (PA, oblique, lateral)
Thumb anatomy and positioning (AP, oblique, lateral)
Carpal bones identification (proximal and distal rows)
Wrist projections (PA, lateral, oblique, ulnar deviation, Stecher, Gaynor-Hart)
Forearm positioning (AP, lateral, internal/external oblique)
Elbow projections (AP, lateral, medial/lateral oblique, trauma axial Coyle method)
Humerus projections (AP, lateral, neutral, transthoracic)
Shoulder projections (internal/external rotation, Grashey, Y-view, Neer, Lawrence)
III. Lower Extremity Positioning
Foot anatomy and projections (AP axial, medial/lateral oblique, lateral, weight-bearing)
Toe positioning (AP, oblique, lateral, sesamoid views)
Calcaneus projections (lateral, axial views)
Ankle projections (AP, mortise, lateral, oblique, stress, weight-bearing)
Tibia/fibula positioning
Knee projections (AP, lateral, oblique, weight-bearing, tunnel views)
Patella views (Merchant, Settegast, PA)
Femur positioning (AP, lateral)
Hip projections (AP, frog, cross-table lateral, Clements-Nakayama)
Pelvis projections (AP, inlet/outlet, Judet views)
IV. Positioning Criteria and Pathology
, Fracture types (transverse, oblique, spiral, comminuted, segmental, greenstick, impacted,
compound, simple, displaced, avulsion, compression, stress, pathologic)
Trauma considerations and modifications
Cast techniques (plaster, wet plaster, fiberglass)
Joint spaces and articulations
Pathologic conditions (Osgood-Schlatter, flail chest, pneumothorax, pleural effusion,
atelectasis, emphysema, TB, pneumoperitoneum, ascites, volvulus, ileus, Hirschsprung)
V. Spine and Pelvis Imaging
Cervical spine (AP axial, open mouth, lateral, oblique, swimmers, flexion/extension, Fuchs)
Thoracic spine (AP, lateral, breathing technique)
Lumbar spine (AP, lateral, obliques, L5-S1 spot, flexion/extension)
Sacrum and coccyx (AP axial, lateral, combined views)
SI joints (AP axial, posterior/anterior obliques)
Scoliosis imaging (PA, lateral, erect/recumbent)
Scotty dog anatomy
VI. Chest and Abdomen
Chest projections (PA, lateral, AP lordotic, AP supine, lateral decubitus)
Rib positioning (above/below diaphragm, anterior/posterior obliques)
Sternum imaging (lateral, RAO)
Abdomen projections (AP supine, AP upright, lateral decubitus, dorsal decubitus)
Tube/line placement (ET tube, NG tube, OG tube, chest tube, Swan-Ganz, PICC)
AEC chamber selection for chest
VII. Skull and Facial Bones
Skull projections (Towne, lateral, Caldwell, PA, SMV, trauma views)
Facial bones (lateral, Waters, Caldwell, modified Waters)
Mandible projections (axiolateral oblique, PA, AP axial, PA axial)
TMJ projections (modified Law, modified Schuller, modified Towne)
Sinus projections (lateral, Caldwell, Waters, SMV, open mouth Waters)
Nasal bones (Waters, lateral, PA axial)
VIII. Contrast Studies and Special Procedures
GI Studies (esophagus, UGI, SBFT, barium enema)
Contrast types (barium sulfate, water soluble iodinated)
IVU (intravenous urography)
Cystography and voiding cystourethrography
, Retrograde urography
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
ERCP and cholangiography
Myelography
Arthrography
Bone age, bone survey, long bone measurement
IX. Physics and Radiation Protection
Inverse square law
Direct square law
Grid conversion factors
15% rule
mAs calculations
Heat unit calculations
Electrical formulas (V=IR, P=IV)
Temperature conversion
Electron shell capacity
Turns ratio calculations
Compton vs Photoelectric effect
Image quality factors (mA, kVp, OID, SID, focal spot, grids, filtration, beam restriction,
motion, anode heel effect, patient factors, angle)
250 EXAM QUESTIONS
1. A patient presents with a possible scaphoid fracture. The technologist performs both the PA
ulnar deviation and PA axial projections. What is the maximum number of carpal bones that
can be visualized in the proximal row on these images?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
Correct Answer: c) 4
, The proximal row of carpal bones consists of the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform, totaling
four bones. The PA ulnar deviation and PA axial (Stecher) views are specifically designed to best
visualize the scaphoid bone.
2. During a fluoroscopic procedure, the technologist notices the 5-minute alarm has sounded.
What action should be taken immediately?
a) Continue the procedure and document the time
b) Terminate the procedure completely
c) Record the time and notify the radiologist
d) Increase the mA to compensate
Correct Answer: c) Record the time and notify the radiologist
The 5-minute fluoroscopy alarm is a safety mechanism that alerts the operator to the elapsed time.
The technologist must document the time and inform the radiologist so they can evaluate whether
continued fluoroscopy is necessary.
3. A radiograph of the hand is taken with the CR directed to the 3rd MCP joint and the hand
rotated 45 degrees externally. The SID is 40 inches. Which projection has been performed?
a) PA hand
b) Lateral hand
c) Oblique hand
d) PA finger
Correct Answer: c) Oblique hand
The oblique hand projection requires the CR to be directed to the 3rd metacarpophalangeal joint, the
hand rotated 45 degrees externally (laterally), and a 40-inch SID. This positioning separates the
metacarpals and phalanges for optimal visualization.
4. A patient with a suspected elbow fracture cannot fully extend their elbow. The technologist
positions the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion and applies a 10-15 degree tube angle. What
projection is being performed?
a) AP elbow with partial flexion
b) Lateral oblique elbow
