1|Page
CERVICAL AND THORACIC SPINE FINAL EXAM | 2025-2026 LATEST
UPDATED | ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS | 100%
RATED CORRECT | 100% VERFIED SOLTIONS | ALREADY GRADED
A+
Which of the following positions will demonstrate the left intervertebral foramina of the cervical
spine?
a. LPO
b. LAO
c. RAO
d. Lateral - (ANSWER)LAO
A radiograph of an AP thoracic spine projection reveals that the upper thoracic spine is
overexposed. The lower vertebrae have acceptable density and contrast. Which one of the
following modifications will improve the visibility of the upper thoracic spine?
a. Use a compensating (wedge) filter
b. Place the upper spine under the cathode side of the tube
c. Increase the kV to decrease the contrast of the upper spine
d. Use a breathing technique - (ANSWER)Use a compensating (wedge) filter
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The most posterior aspect of a typical vertebra is the:
a. Pedicle
b. Spinous process
c. Body
d. Laminae - (ANSWER)Spinous process
Which of the following factors will enhance the visibility of the vertebral bodies during a lateral
projection of the thoracic spine?
a. Increase SID
b. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
c. Use a high kV
d. Flex the spine - (ANSWER)Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
Which of the following projections will project the dens within the shadow of the foramen
magnum?
a. AP projection (Fuchs method)
b. AP open mouth
c. None of the above
d. Twining method - (ANSWER)AP projection (Fuchs method)
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Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the left zygapophyseal joints of the
thoracic spine?
a. RPO
b. Lateral
c. LPO
d. RAO - (ANSWER)RPO
Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal or exaggerated _____ curvature.
a. Lateral
b. Concave
c. Convex
d. "Swayback" lumbar - (ANSWER)Lateral
A patient enters the emergency department (ED) because of a motor vehicle accident (MVA).
The patient is on a backboard and wearing a cervical collar. The technologist is concerned about
the artifacts that the collar will project on the spine during the horizontal beam lateral projection.
What should the technologist do in this situation?
a. Remove the cervical collar but be careful not to move the patient's head
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b. Ask the patient to remove the collar herself (for liability reasons)
c. Ask a nurse to remove the collar and to hold the patient's head while the technologist is
initiating the exposure
d. Leave the collar on during the exposure - (ANSWER)Leave the collar on during the exposure
Which position or projection of the cervical spine will best demonstrate the zygapophyseal joint
spaces between C1 and C2?
a. 45° posterior or anterior oblique
b. Lateral
c. Anteroposterior (AP) axial
d. AP open mouth - (ANSWER)AP open mouth
The zygapophyseal joints for the typical cervical vertebra lie at an angle of ____ in relation to
the midsagittal plane.
a. 70° to 75°
b. 60°
c. 45°
d. 90° - (ANSWER)90°
CERVICAL AND THORACIC SPINE FINAL EXAM | 2025-2026 LATEST
UPDATED | ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS | 100%
RATED CORRECT | 100% VERFIED SOLTIONS | ALREADY GRADED
A+
Which of the following positions will demonstrate the left intervertebral foramina of the cervical
spine?
a. LPO
b. LAO
c. RAO
d. Lateral - (ANSWER)LAO
A radiograph of an AP thoracic spine projection reveals that the upper thoracic spine is
overexposed. The lower vertebrae have acceptable density and contrast. Which one of the
following modifications will improve the visibility of the upper thoracic spine?
a. Use a compensating (wedge) filter
b. Place the upper spine under the cathode side of the tube
c. Increase the kV to decrease the contrast of the upper spine
d. Use a breathing technique - (ANSWER)Use a compensating (wedge) filter
,2|Page
The most posterior aspect of a typical vertebra is the:
a. Pedicle
b. Spinous process
c. Body
d. Laminae - (ANSWER)Spinous process
Which of the following factors will enhance the visibility of the vertebral bodies during a lateral
projection of the thoracic spine?
a. Increase SID
b. Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
c. Use a high kV
d. Flex the spine - (ANSWER)Use an orthostatic (breathing) technique
Which of the following projections will project the dens within the shadow of the foramen
magnum?
a. AP projection (Fuchs method)
b. AP open mouth
c. None of the above
d. Twining method - (ANSWER)AP projection (Fuchs method)
,3|Page
Which of the following positions will best demonstrate the left zygapophyseal joints of the
thoracic spine?
a. RPO
b. Lateral
c. LPO
d. RAO - (ANSWER)RPO
Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal or exaggerated _____ curvature.
a. Lateral
b. Concave
c. Convex
d. "Swayback" lumbar - (ANSWER)Lateral
A patient enters the emergency department (ED) because of a motor vehicle accident (MVA).
The patient is on a backboard and wearing a cervical collar. The technologist is concerned about
the artifacts that the collar will project on the spine during the horizontal beam lateral projection.
What should the technologist do in this situation?
a. Remove the cervical collar but be careful not to move the patient's head
, 4|Page
b. Ask the patient to remove the collar herself (for liability reasons)
c. Ask a nurse to remove the collar and to hold the patient's head while the technologist is
initiating the exposure
d. Leave the collar on during the exposure - (ANSWER)Leave the collar on during the exposure
Which position or projection of the cervical spine will best demonstrate the zygapophyseal joint
spaces between C1 and C2?
a. 45° posterior or anterior oblique
b. Lateral
c. Anteroposterior (AP) axial
d. AP open mouth - (ANSWER)AP open mouth
The zygapophyseal joints for the typical cervical vertebra lie at an angle of ____ in relation to
the midsagittal plane.
a. 70° to 75°
b. 60°
c. 45°
d. 90° - (ANSWER)90°
