NWCA MEDICAL ASSISTANT CORRECT EXAMS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SET A+
✔✔Radiology - ✔✔uses X-rays to view body parts and their functions. It is an important
tool for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. There are several variations in
radiographic studies
✔✔Radiography - ✔✔Study or practice of radiology using X-rays, use of X-rays to study
body tissues
✔✔Contrast Studies - ✔✔Use of a contrast medium injected into the tissue to enhance
the image
✔✔Fluoroscopy - ✔✔Radiographic study in which structures are visualized while in
motion, Use of a fluoroscope that allows for images to be taken of the tissue in motion.
✔✔Computed Topography - ✔✔Use of CT scan to view internal body structures and
see the various planes of the tissue
✔✔MRI Studies - ✔✔Use of magnetic resonance imaging technology to produce high
quality images of the inside of the body to view tissues
✔✔Sonography - ✔✔Use of ultrasound waves to view internal body structures, use of
high-frequency sound waves bounced off of internal
body structures to allow viewing of the structures and tissues
✔✔Nuclear Medicine - ✔✔Use of swallowed or injected radioactive material as a tracer
that is absorbed into tissues and then detected with a special scanner
✔✔X-Rays - ✔✔A form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to light. It is invisible to the
human eye and can penetrate most body tissues and record an image on a
radiographic film.
,✔✔Venous Studies - ✔✔Imaging of blood vessels to look for blockage and weak spots
✔✔Trauma Procedures - ✔✔Imaging of body tissues, such as bones, to look for
fractures or abnormalities
✔✔Head, Neck, and Spinal Studies - ✔✔Imaging to look for fractures, compressions,
and other abnormalities
✔✔Bone and Joint Studies - ✔✔Imaging to assess arthritis, dislocations, fractures, and
other abnormalities
✔✔KUB Studies - ✔✔Imaging of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to assess problems
associated with the urinary system tissues and organs
✔✔Surgical Procedures - ✔✔Imaging to assist in performing detailed and delicate
surgical procedures
✔✔Myelography - ✔✔radiography of the spinal cord after injection of a contrast medium
to identify and study spinal distortions caused by tumors, cysts, herniated intervertebral
disks, or other lesions
✔✔X-ray tube - ✔✔This cylindrical radiographic glass tube contains a vacuum that
produces radiation. Inside the glass tube is a cathode and anode. The cathode is a
heated filament similar to what you find in a fluorescent lamp. When the machine is
turned on, an electric current is passed through the cathode, which heats it up and
forces electrons off thecathode filament. The anode is a flat disc made of tungsten and
is positively charged. The positive charge draws the electrons across the space in
between the cathode and anode at a very high force.
✔✔Collimeter - ✔✔Device that narrows and filters the X-ray beam so that only those
rays that are parallel are allowed through to the patient's body
✔✔Radiographic Table - ✔✔A variety of X-ray table shapes and sizes can
accommodate different needs of the facility and are used for different types of
radiographic procedures. Tables can tilt or have a floating tabletop to best position the
patient. The radiographic table includes the Bucky tray and the moveable table for
patient positioning. A lead strip around the top of the table absorbs scatter radiation
✔✔Bucky Tray - ✔✔holds the film cassette and can be moved to either end of the table
as needed.
✔✔Moveable Table - ✔✔A portion of the radiographic table can be moved to
accommodate positioning of the patient.
,✔✔Generator - ✔✔Power source to the machine.
✔✔Control panel - ✔✔located inside a lead-lined area with a lead-treated observation
window for viewing the patient. The technician or physician stands in this area while the
actual radiograph is being performed. The controls include:
Quantity (milliamperes, or mA)
Quality (kilovoltage, or KVP)
Time (milliampere seconds, or mAS)
✔✔Safety Precautions for Radiation - ✔✔Time: Keep the length of exposure as short as
possible
Distance: Keep the distance between the technician and the radiation source as far as
possible
Shielding: Use lead protective equipment at all times for the staff and patient during the
procedure. Workers who spend time in radiation areas must also wear radiation
exposure badges (called dosimeter badges) to measure the amount of exposure they
are getting over time. The room where X-rays are taken is also protected with lead
✔✔Full aprons - ✔✔cover the breasts and abdominal-pelvic area and are worn by both
males and females when the extremities are X-rayed.
✔✔Half aprons - ✔✔Patients wear when the chest is X-rayed.
✔✔gonadal shields - ✔✔Worn when the abdomen is X-rayed.
✔✔Thyroid shield - ✔✔Worn when the skull is X-rayed.
✔✔Eye shields - ✔✔Worn when the lower jaw or larynx is X-rayed.
✔✔lead gloves - ✔✔Worn when hands are exposed to the radiation.
✔✔Limited-Scope Radiography - ✔✔Depending upon the state and the office policies,
medical assistants may be allowed to expose and develop film in addition to patient
preparation duties. Limited-scope radiography restricts the number of X-ray procedures
that a healthcare worker can perform. This ensures that you do not get more radiation
exposure than is healthy. Medical assistants can perform some limited-scope X-ray
procedures, typically only upper and lower extremities, chest, and some skull positions.
You must follow all state regulations related to limited-scope radiography.
✔✔X-ray Room Preparation - ✔✔An X-ray room should contain nothing except for the
items and storage containers needed for the procedure. X-ray film is stored upright on
its end in a dark cabinet. Accessories, such as calipers, foam spacers, and risers, are
kept in a convenient storage place in the room.
, The X-ray table should be cleaned with a mild disinfectant after each patient. Be very
careful not to damage the lead strip surrounding the table that captures scattered
radiation. Additionally, clean all areas touched by the patient such as the chin rest,
blocks or spacers, calipers, and risers.
✔✔Scheduling radiographic examinations - ✔✔Confirm an appointment date and time
with the patient and give the patient verbal and written instructions as well as an
appointment card with the name, address, and phone number of the facility and the time
and date of the appointment. Discuss with the patient any transportation needs and
consider giving the patient written directions to the facility. Many offices have preprinted
directions readily available.
✔✔Patient Preparation and Instructions for Various Types of Radiographic Procedures -
✔✔Ask any female of childbearing age it she could be pregnant.
Instruct patients to remove all jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects from the area to
be filmed. Store these in a safe place.
Instruct patients to remove any clothing or undergarments that contain metal such as
underwire bras or metal closures, such as snaps and zippers.
✔✔Mammography - ✔✔a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the
presence of tumors or precancerous cells
✔✔Angiography - ✔✔Radiograph of the vessels usually with contrast medium, which is
an invasive examination of the blood vessels to explore the patency (or lack of
blockage) of vessels and to identify abnormal vascularization. The carotid and vertebral
arteries are outlined by injected dye for a cerebral angiography. Injected dye also helps
to assess the pulmonary vessels in pulmonary angiography. Renal angiography helps to
view the renal circulation
✔✔Upper GI Series with Barium Swallow - ✔✔X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum
✔✔Lower Gl series - ✔✔X-rays of the small intestine, colon, and rectum using a barium
enema to increase the clarity of the image
✔✔Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) - ✔✔an x-ray exam that uses a contrast material that
is injected into the vascular system. The physician uses this test to evaluate the function
of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. The medical assistant will screen the patient for
allergies. Because of the contrast material, it is especially important to ask about
allergies to shell fish and iodine.
✔✔Cholecystogram - ✔✔x-ray of the gallbladder
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SET A+
✔✔Radiology - ✔✔uses X-rays to view body parts and their functions. It is an important
tool for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. There are several variations in
radiographic studies
✔✔Radiography - ✔✔Study or practice of radiology using X-rays, use of X-rays to study
body tissues
✔✔Contrast Studies - ✔✔Use of a contrast medium injected into the tissue to enhance
the image
✔✔Fluoroscopy - ✔✔Radiographic study in which structures are visualized while in
motion, Use of a fluoroscope that allows for images to be taken of the tissue in motion.
✔✔Computed Topography - ✔✔Use of CT scan to view internal body structures and
see the various planes of the tissue
✔✔MRI Studies - ✔✔Use of magnetic resonance imaging technology to produce high
quality images of the inside of the body to view tissues
✔✔Sonography - ✔✔Use of ultrasound waves to view internal body structures, use of
high-frequency sound waves bounced off of internal
body structures to allow viewing of the structures and tissues
✔✔Nuclear Medicine - ✔✔Use of swallowed or injected radioactive material as a tracer
that is absorbed into tissues and then detected with a special scanner
✔✔X-Rays - ✔✔A form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to light. It is invisible to the
human eye and can penetrate most body tissues and record an image on a
radiographic film.
,✔✔Venous Studies - ✔✔Imaging of blood vessels to look for blockage and weak spots
✔✔Trauma Procedures - ✔✔Imaging of body tissues, such as bones, to look for
fractures or abnormalities
✔✔Head, Neck, and Spinal Studies - ✔✔Imaging to look for fractures, compressions,
and other abnormalities
✔✔Bone and Joint Studies - ✔✔Imaging to assess arthritis, dislocations, fractures, and
other abnormalities
✔✔KUB Studies - ✔✔Imaging of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to assess problems
associated with the urinary system tissues and organs
✔✔Surgical Procedures - ✔✔Imaging to assist in performing detailed and delicate
surgical procedures
✔✔Myelography - ✔✔radiography of the spinal cord after injection of a contrast medium
to identify and study spinal distortions caused by tumors, cysts, herniated intervertebral
disks, or other lesions
✔✔X-ray tube - ✔✔This cylindrical radiographic glass tube contains a vacuum that
produces radiation. Inside the glass tube is a cathode and anode. The cathode is a
heated filament similar to what you find in a fluorescent lamp. When the machine is
turned on, an electric current is passed through the cathode, which heats it up and
forces electrons off thecathode filament. The anode is a flat disc made of tungsten and
is positively charged. The positive charge draws the electrons across the space in
between the cathode and anode at a very high force.
✔✔Collimeter - ✔✔Device that narrows and filters the X-ray beam so that only those
rays that are parallel are allowed through to the patient's body
✔✔Radiographic Table - ✔✔A variety of X-ray table shapes and sizes can
accommodate different needs of the facility and are used for different types of
radiographic procedures. Tables can tilt or have a floating tabletop to best position the
patient. The radiographic table includes the Bucky tray and the moveable table for
patient positioning. A lead strip around the top of the table absorbs scatter radiation
✔✔Bucky Tray - ✔✔holds the film cassette and can be moved to either end of the table
as needed.
✔✔Moveable Table - ✔✔A portion of the radiographic table can be moved to
accommodate positioning of the patient.
,✔✔Generator - ✔✔Power source to the machine.
✔✔Control panel - ✔✔located inside a lead-lined area with a lead-treated observation
window for viewing the patient. The technician or physician stands in this area while the
actual radiograph is being performed. The controls include:
Quantity (milliamperes, or mA)
Quality (kilovoltage, or KVP)
Time (milliampere seconds, or mAS)
✔✔Safety Precautions for Radiation - ✔✔Time: Keep the length of exposure as short as
possible
Distance: Keep the distance between the technician and the radiation source as far as
possible
Shielding: Use lead protective equipment at all times for the staff and patient during the
procedure. Workers who spend time in radiation areas must also wear radiation
exposure badges (called dosimeter badges) to measure the amount of exposure they
are getting over time. The room where X-rays are taken is also protected with lead
✔✔Full aprons - ✔✔cover the breasts and abdominal-pelvic area and are worn by both
males and females when the extremities are X-rayed.
✔✔Half aprons - ✔✔Patients wear when the chest is X-rayed.
✔✔gonadal shields - ✔✔Worn when the abdomen is X-rayed.
✔✔Thyroid shield - ✔✔Worn when the skull is X-rayed.
✔✔Eye shields - ✔✔Worn when the lower jaw or larynx is X-rayed.
✔✔lead gloves - ✔✔Worn when hands are exposed to the radiation.
✔✔Limited-Scope Radiography - ✔✔Depending upon the state and the office policies,
medical assistants may be allowed to expose and develop film in addition to patient
preparation duties. Limited-scope radiography restricts the number of X-ray procedures
that a healthcare worker can perform. This ensures that you do not get more radiation
exposure than is healthy. Medical assistants can perform some limited-scope X-ray
procedures, typically only upper and lower extremities, chest, and some skull positions.
You must follow all state regulations related to limited-scope radiography.
✔✔X-ray Room Preparation - ✔✔An X-ray room should contain nothing except for the
items and storage containers needed for the procedure. X-ray film is stored upright on
its end in a dark cabinet. Accessories, such as calipers, foam spacers, and risers, are
kept in a convenient storage place in the room.
, The X-ray table should be cleaned with a mild disinfectant after each patient. Be very
careful not to damage the lead strip surrounding the table that captures scattered
radiation. Additionally, clean all areas touched by the patient such as the chin rest,
blocks or spacers, calipers, and risers.
✔✔Scheduling radiographic examinations - ✔✔Confirm an appointment date and time
with the patient and give the patient verbal and written instructions as well as an
appointment card with the name, address, and phone number of the facility and the time
and date of the appointment. Discuss with the patient any transportation needs and
consider giving the patient written directions to the facility. Many offices have preprinted
directions readily available.
✔✔Patient Preparation and Instructions for Various Types of Radiographic Procedures -
✔✔Ask any female of childbearing age it she could be pregnant.
Instruct patients to remove all jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects from the area to
be filmed. Store these in a safe place.
Instruct patients to remove any clothing or undergarments that contain metal such as
underwire bras or metal closures, such as snaps and zippers.
✔✔Mammography - ✔✔a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the
presence of tumors or precancerous cells
✔✔Angiography - ✔✔Radiograph of the vessels usually with contrast medium, which is
an invasive examination of the blood vessels to explore the patency (or lack of
blockage) of vessels and to identify abnormal vascularization. The carotid and vertebral
arteries are outlined by injected dye for a cerebral angiography. Injected dye also helps
to assess the pulmonary vessels in pulmonary angiography. Renal angiography helps to
view the renal circulation
✔✔Upper GI Series with Barium Swallow - ✔✔X-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum
✔✔Lower Gl series - ✔✔X-rays of the small intestine, colon, and rectum using a barium
enema to increase the clarity of the image
✔✔Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) - ✔✔an x-ray exam that uses a contrast material that
is injected into the vascular system. The physician uses this test to evaluate the function
of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. The medical assistant will screen the patient for
allergies. Because of the contrast material, it is especially important to ask about
allergies to shell fish and iodine.
✔✔Cholecystogram - ✔✔x-ray of the gallbladder
