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MINNESOTA COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) ARRT
CERTIFICATION EXAM – 2026/2027 COMPLETE (150)
CURRENT TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES.
TOMOGRAPHY
Prepare effectively for the Minnesota Computed Tomography ARRT Certification Exam
with this focused practice resource. It supports review of CT imaging principles,
patient care, radiation safety, image production, procedures, anatomy, and quality
assurance. Use the material to reinforce your knowledge, practice key concepts, and
identify areas that may require additional study. This resource is suited for radiologic
technologists, CT students, imaging professionals, and candidates preparing for ARRT
computed tomography certification.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
DOMAIN 1: PATIENT CARE (Questions 1–30)
Question #1
Which of the following laboratory values is the MOST important to evaluate
before administering IV iodinated contrast media?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum creatinine / estimated GFR
C. White blood cell count
D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Serum creatinine and estimated GFR are the primary indicators
of renal function and must be evaluated before IV contrast administration to
assess the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Patients with impaired
renal function are at significantly higher risk.
Question #2
A patient reports a previous allergic reaction to IV iodinated contrast media
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that required treatment. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate
premedication protocol?
A. Diphenhydramine only
B. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) and antihistamines
C. Epinephrine immediately
D. No premedication is needed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients with a history of moderate to severe contrast
reactions should receive a premedication protocol typically involving
corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 50 mg orally 13, 7, and 1 hour before the
exam) and antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine 50 mg 1 hour before). This
reduces the risk of a recurrent reaction.
Question #3
During a CT examination, a patient develops urticaria (hives), pruritus, and
mild wheezing after IV contrast injection. What is the MOST appropriate
immediate action?
A. Continue the exam and monitor
B. Stop the injection, administer oxygen, and prepare to administer
epinephrine if symptoms worsen
C. Administer oral diphenhydramine only
D. Complete the exam and report the reaction later
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urticaria with wheezing indicates a moderate allergic reaction
that can progress to anaphylaxis. The injection should be stopped
immediately, oxygen should be administered, and the patient should be
monitored closely. Emergency drugs (epinephrine, antihistamines,
corticosteroids) should be readily available.
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Question #4
What is the purpose of obtaining informed consent before a CT examination
with IV contrast?
A. To document the patient's insurance information
B. To ensure the patient understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives
of the procedure
C. To obtain permission to perform venipuncture
D. To document the patient's medical history
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent ensures the patient has been educated
about the procedure, including risks (e.g., allergic reaction,
nephrotoxicity), benefits, and alternatives. The patient must have the
capacity to make an informed decision.
Question #5
Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of IV iodinated contrast
media?
A. History of asthma
B. Known severe anaphylactic reaction to iodinated contrast
C. History of diabetes mellitus
D. Age over 70 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A known severe anaphylactic reaction to iodinated contrast is
an absolute contraindication. While asthma and diabetes are risk factors,
they are not absolute contraindications. Age alone is not a contraindication.
Question #6
A patient scheduled for a CT scan has a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL. What
is the MOST appropriate next step?
A. Proceed with the exam without contrast
B. Consult with the referring physician regarding the risk of contrast-
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induced nephropathy
C. Administer IV contrast as scheduled
D. Cancel the exam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated serum creatinine indicates impaired renal function,
and the patient is at increased risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
The referring physician should be consulted to weigh the risks and benefits,
and alternative imaging may be considered.
Question #7
For a patient receiving IV iodinated contrast, which of the following is a sign of
an extravasation?
A. Flushing and warmth at the injection site
B. Swelling, pain, and coolness at the injection site
C. Urticaria and pruritus
D. Dyspnea and wheezing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Extravasation (leakage of contrast into the surrounding tissue)
presents with swelling, pain, and coolness at the injection site. Flushing
and warmth may indicate a normal injection or a mild reaction; urticaria and
dyspnea indicate allergic reactions.
Question #8
What is the primary purpose of the "time-out" procedure before a CT
examination?
A. To verify the patient's insurance information
B. To confirm the correct patient, procedure, and site
C. To obtain informed consent
D. To check the patient's vital signs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The "time-out" is a patient safety procedure to confirm the
MINNESOTA COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) ARRT
CERTIFICATION EXAM – 2026/2027 COMPLETE (150)
CURRENT TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES.
TOMOGRAPHY
Prepare effectively for the Minnesota Computed Tomography ARRT Certification Exam
with this focused practice resource. It supports review of CT imaging principles,
patient care, radiation safety, image production, procedures, anatomy, and quality
assurance. Use the material to reinforce your knowledge, practice key concepts, and
identify areas that may require additional study. This resource is suited for radiologic
technologists, CT students, imaging professionals, and candidates preparing for ARRT
computed tomography certification.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
DOMAIN 1: PATIENT CARE (Questions 1–30)
Question #1
Which of the following laboratory values is the MOST important to evaluate
before administering IV iodinated contrast media?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum creatinine / estimated GFR
C. White blood cell count
D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Serum creatinine and estimated GFR are the primary indicators
of renal function and must be evaluated before IV contrast administration to
assess the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Patients with impaired
renal function are at significantly higher risk.
Question #2
A patient reports a previous allergic reaction to IV iodinated contrast media
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that required treatment. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate
premedication protocol?
A. Diphenhydramine only
B. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) and antihistamines
C. Epinephrine immediately
D. No premedication is needed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients with a history of moderate to severe contrast
reactions should receive a premedication protocol typically involving
corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 50 mg orally 13, 7, and 1 hour before the
exam) and antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine 50 mg 1 hour before). This
reduces the risk of a recurrent reaction.
Question #3
During a CT examination, a patient develops urticaria (hives), pruritus, and
mild wheezing after IV contrast injection. What is the MOST appropriate
immediate action?
A. Continue the exam and monitor
B. Stop the injection, administer oxygen, and prepare to administer
epinephrine if symptoms worsen
C. Administer oral diphenhydramine only
D. Complete the exam and report the reaction later
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urticaria with wheezing indicates a moderate allergic reaction
that can progress to anaphylaxis. The injection should be stopped
immediately, oxygen should be administered, and the patient should be
monitored closely. Emergency drugs (epinephrine, antihistamines,
corticosteroids) should be readily available.
, Page 3 of 63
Question #4
What is the purpose of obtaining informed consent before a CT examination
with IV contrast?
A. To document the patient's insurance information
B. To ensure the patient understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives
of the procedure
C. To obtain permission to perform venipuncture
D. To document the patient's medical history
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent ensures the patient has been educated
about the procedure, including risks (e.g., allergic reaction,
nephrotoxicity), benefits, and alternatives. The patient must have the
capacity to make an informed decision.
Question #5
Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of IV iodinated contrast
media?
A. History of asthma
B. Known severe anaphylactic reaction to iodinated contrast
C. History of diabetes mellitus
D. Age over 70 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A known severe anaphylactic reaction to iodinated contrast is
an absolute contraindication. While asthma and diabetes are risk factors,
they are not absolute contraindications. Age alone is not a contraindication.
Question #6
A patient scheduled for a CT scan has a serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL. What
is the MOST appropriate next step?
A. Proceed with the exam without contrast
B. Consult with the referring physician regarding the risk of contrast-
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induced nephropathy
C. Administer IV contrast as scheduled
D. Cancel the exam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated serum creatinine indicates impaired renal function,
and the patient is at increased risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
The referring physician should be consulted to weigh the risks and benefits,
and alternative imaging may be considered.
Question #7
For a patient receiving IV iodinated contrast, which of the following is a sign of
an extravasation?
A. Flushing and warmth at the injection site
B. Swelling, pain, and coolness at the injection site
C. Urticaria and pruritus
D. Dyspnea and wheezing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Extravasation (leakage of contrast into the surrounding tissue)
presents with swelling, pain, and coolness at the injection site. Flushing
and warmth may indicate a normal injection or a mild reaction; urticaria and
dyspnea indicate allergic reactions.
Question #8
What is the primary purpose of the "time-out" procedure before a CT
examination?
A. To verify the patient's insurance information
B. To confirm the correct patient, procedure, and site
C. To obtain informed consent
D. To check the patient's vital signs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The "time-out" is a patient safety procedure to confirm the
