ARRT Bone Density Exam Study Set
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of a bone density scan?
✔✔To measure bone mineral density and assess fracture risk
Which condition is most commonly evaluated with DXA scans?
✔✔Osteoporosis
What does T-score compare in a bone density exam?
✔✔Patient bone density to the average bone density of a healthy 30-year-old adult
What does a Z-score indicate in a DXA scan?
✔✔Patient bone density compared to an age-matched population
Which skeletal site is most commonly scanned for osteoporosis assessment?
✔✔Lumbar spine and hip
1
,What unit is used to report bone mineral density in DXA?
✔✔g/cm² (grams per square centimeter)
A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates:
✔✔Osteoporosis
Which T-score range indicates osteopenia?
✔✔Between -1.0 and -2.5
Why is proper patient positioning critical in bone density scanning?
✔✔To ensure accurate and reproducible results
Which type of bone is most sensitive to osteoporosis-related loss?
✔✔Trabecular bone
Which lifestyle factor can significantly affect bone density?
✔✔Physical activity and weight-bearing exercise
2
,How does age affect bone density?
✔✔Bone density decreases with age, increasing fracture risk
Which hormone deficiency is commonly associated with decreased bone density in women?
✔✔Estrogen
Which hormone deficiency is commonly associated with decreased bone density in men?
✔✔Testosterone
Why should a patient avoid calcium supplements immediately before a DXA scan?
✔✔It may interfere with accurate measurement
Which imaging modality is most commonly used for bone density testing?
✔✔Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
How often should a patient with normal bone density be re-scanned?
✔✔Every 5 years or as recommended by a physician
3
, Which medication type can cause bone loss if used long-term?
✔✔Glucocorticoids
What is the primary advantage of DXA over standard X-ray for bone density?
✔✔DXA can detect small changes in bone mineral density
Which anatomical site is least commonly scanned in routine bone density exams?
✔✔Forearm
What is the significance of a fracture occurring with minimal trauma?
✔✔It may indicate low bone density or osteoporosis
How does body composition affect DXA results?
✔✔High body fat may slightly affect accuracy, especially in the spine and hip
Which patient preparation is important for a DXA scan?
✔✔Remove metal objects and clothing with zippers, buttons, or belts
4
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary purpose of a bone density scan?
✔✔To measure bone mineral density and assess fracture risk
Which condition is most commonly evaluated with DXA scans?
✔✔Osteoporosis
What does T-score compare in a bone density exam?
✔✔Patient bone density to the average bone density of a healthy 30-year-old adult
What does a Z-score indicate in a DXA scan?
✔✔Patient bone density compared to an age-matched population
Which skeletal site is most commonly scanned for osteoporosis assessment?
✔✔Lumbar spine and hip
1
,What unit is used to report bone mineral density in DXA?
✔✔g/cm² (grams per square centimeter)
A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates:
✔✔Osteoporosis
Which T-score range indicates osteopenia?
✔✔Between -1.0 and -2.5
Why is proper patient positioning critical in bone density scanning?
✔✔To ensure accurate and reproducible results
Which type of bone is most sensitive to osteoporosis-related loss?
✔✔Trabecular bone
Which lifestyle factor can significantly affect bone density?
✔✔Physical activity and weight-bearing exercise
2
,How does age affect bone density?
✔✔Bone density decreases with age, increasing fracture risk
Which hormone deficiency is commonly associated with decreased bone density in women?
✔✔Estrogen
Which hormone deficiency is commonly associated with decreased bone density in men?
✔✔Testosterone
Why should a patient avoid calcium supplements immediately before a DXA scan?
✔✔It may interfere with accurate measurement
Which imaging modality is most commonly used for bone density testing?
✔✔Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
How often should a patient with normal bone density be re-scanned?
✔✔Every 5 years or as recommended by a physician
3
, Which medication type can cause bone loss if used long-term?
✔✔Glucocorticoids
What is the primary advantage of DXA over standard X-ray for bone density?
✔✔DXA can detect small changes in bone mineral density
Which anatomical site is least commonly scanned in routine bone density exams?
✔✔Forearm
What is the significance of a fracture occurring with minimal trauma?
✔✔It may indicate low bone density or osteoporosis
How does body composition affect DXA results?
✔✔High body fat may slightly affect accuracy, especially in the spine and hip
Which patient preparation is important for a DXA scan?
✔✔Remove metal objects and clothing with zippers, buttons, or belts
4
