RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST CERTIFICATION
EXAMINATION
BASED ON ARRT RADIOGRAPHY CONTENT
SPECIFICATIONS
2026–2027 TESTING CYCLE
SECTION 1: PATIENT CARE (Questions 1–17)
Question 1: Before performing a radiographic examination, the technologist's most important
action is to:
Answer: Verify the correct patient and correct examination using two patient identifiers.
Rationale: Patient identification and exam verification are the most critical safety steps before
any radiographic procedure. The technologist must confirm the patient's identity using at least
two identifiers (e.g., full name and date of birth) and verify that the examination ordered matches
the procedure to be performed. Verification of blood type, insurance status, or dietary intake is
not required before imaging.
Question 2: A patient arrives for an IV urogram and reports a severe allergy to shellfish. What is
the most appropriate action?
,Answer: Notify the radiologist; the patient may require premedication with corticosteroids and
antihistamines.
Rationale: Shellfish allergy is associated with an increased risk of allergic reactions to iodinated
contrast media due to cross-reactivity. Premedication protocols typically include steroids and
antihistamines administered hours before the procedure. The radiologist should be notified to
determine the appropriate course of action. The technologist should not proceed without
consulting the radiologist.
Question 3: Which infection control precaution is appropriate for a patient with active
tuberculosis?
Answer: Airborne precautions, including an N95 respirator and negative pressure room.
Rationale: Tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted through airborne particles (droplet nuclei) and
requires airborne precautions. The technologist must wear an N95 respirator, the patient should
be placed in a negative pressure room, and patient movement should be limited. Standard
precautions alone are insufficient for airborne diseases. Contact precautions are for organisms
transmitted by direct contact. Droplet precautions are for infections transmitted by large
respiratory droplets (e.g., influenza).
,Question 4: A patient becomes diaphoretic, pale, and reports feeling lightheaded during a
venipuncture for contrast injection. The technologist should first:
Answer: Stop the procedure, lower the patient's head, and assess vital signs.
Rationale: These signs suggest a vasovagal response (syncope). The immediate priority is to stop
the procedure, place the patient in a supine or Trendelenburg position to improve cerebral blood
flow, and assess vital signs. The technologist should remain with the patient and call for
assistance if needed. Continuing the procedure would be unsafe.
Question 5: The legal doctrine that requires the technologist to obtain the patient's voluntary
agreement before performing a procedure is called:
Answer: Informed consent.
Rationale: Informed consent requires that the patient understands the procedure, its purpose,
associated risks, benefits, and available alternatives before agreeing to proceed. The
technologist may witness the consent but cannot provide the detailed medical explanation—that
is the responsibility of the ordering physician or radiologist. Negligence is the failure to exercise
reasonable care. Malpractice is professional negligence.
Question 6: A patient with a history of diabetes and renal insufficiency is scheduled for a CT
scan with IV contrast. Which laboratory value is most important to assess before the procedure?
, Answer: Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Rationale: Iodinated contrast media can cause contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), particularly
in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Serum creatinine and eGFR are used to assess
renal function and determine the risk of CIN. Patients with significant renal impairment may
require alternative imaging or pre-procedure hydration. Blood glucose is important for diabetes
management but does not assess contrast risk.
Question 7: When transferring a patient with right-sided weakness from a stretcher to the X-ray
table, the technologist should:
Answer: Position the stretcher on the patient's strong side and use proper body mechanics.
Rationale: Patients with unilateral weakness should be transferred with the stretcher positioned
on their strong side to allow them to assist with the transfer. The technologist should use proper
body mechanics, lock the stretcher and table wheels, and obtain assistance if the patient is
unable to move independently. Transferring on the weak side increases fall risk.
Question 8: Which of the following is a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
Answer: Discussing a patient's test results in a public elevator.
EXAMINATION
BASED ON ARRT RADIOGRAPHY CONTENT
SPECIFICATIONS
2026–2027 TESTING CYCLE
SECTION 1: PATIENT CARE (Questions 1–17)
Question 1: Before performing a radiographic examination, the technologist's most important
action is to:
Answer: Verify the correct patient and correct examination using two patient identifiers.
Rationale: Patient identification and exam verification are the most critical safety steps before
any radiographic procedure. The technologist must confirm the patient's identity using at least
two identifiers (e.g., full name and date of birth) and verify that the examination ordered matches
the procedure to be performed. Verification of blood type, insurance status, or dietary intake is
not required before imaging.
Question 2: A patient arrives for an IV urogram and reports a severe allergy to shellfish. What is
the most appropriate action?
,Answer: Notify the radiologist; the patient may require premedication with corticosteroids and
antihistamines.
Rationale: Shellfish allergy is associated with an increased risk of allergic reactions to iodinated
contrast media due to cross-reactivity. Premedication protocols typically include steroids and
antihistamines administered hours before the procedure. The radiologist should be notified to
determine the appropriate course of action. The technologist should not proceed without
consulting the radiologist.
Question 3: Which infection control precaution is appropriate for a patient with active
tuberculosis?
Answer: Airborne precautions, including an N95 respirator and negative pressure room.
Rationale: Tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted through airborne particles (droplet nuclei) and
requires airborne precautions. The technologist must wear an N95 respirator, the patient should
be placed in a negative pressure room, and patient movement should be limited. Standard
precautions alone are insufficient for airborne diseases. Contact precautions are for organisms
transmitted by direct contact. Droplet precautions are for infections transmitted by large
respiratory droplets (e.g., influenza).
,Question 4: A patient becomes diaphoretic, pale, and reports feeling lightheaded during a
venipuncture for contrast injection. The technologist should first:
Answer: Stop the procedure, lower the patient's head, and assess vital signs.
Rationale: These signs suggest a vasovagal response (syncope). The immediate priority is to stop
the procedure, place the patient in a supine or Trendelenburg position to improve cerebral blood
flow, and assess vital signs. The technologist should remain with the patient and call for
assistance if needed. Continuing the procedure would be unsafe.
Question 5: The legal doctrine that requires the technologist to obtain the patient's voluntary
agreement before performing a procedure is called:
Answer: Informed consent.
Rationale: Informed consent requires that the patient understands the procedure, its purpose,
associated risks, benefits, and available alternatives before agreeing to proceed. The
technologist may witness the consent but cannot provide the detailed medical explanation—that
is the responsibility of the ordering physician or radiologist. Negligence is the failure to exercise
reasonable care. Malpractice is professional negligence.
Question 6: A patient with a history of diabetes and renal insufficiency is scheduled for a CT
scan with IV contrast. Which laboratory value is most important to assess before the procedure?
, Answer: Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Rationale: Iodinated contrast media can cause contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), particularly
in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Serum creatinine and eGFR are used to assess
renal function and determine the risk of CIN. Patients with significant renal impairment may
require alternative imaging or pre-procedure hydration. Blood glucose is important for diabetes
management but does not assess contrast risk.
Question 7: When transferring a patient with right-sided weakness from a stretcher to the X-ray
table, the technologist should:
Answer: Position the stretcher on the patient's strong side and use proper body mechanics.
Rationale: Patients with unilateral weakness should be transferred with the stretcher positioned
on their strong side to allow them to assist with the transfer. The technologist should use proper
body mechanics, lock the stretcher and table wheels, and obtain assistance if the patient is
unable to move independently. Transferring on the weak side increases fall risk.
Question 8: Which of the following is a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
Answer: Discussing a patient's test results in a public elevator.
