HESI Radiography Test 1 Questions and Correct Answers
Graded A+| Latest Update 2026
Which procedure is an example of surgical asepsis?
A. Clean glove application.
B. Hand washing
C. Clean gown application
D. Surgical hand scrub. - CORRECT ANSWER-D. Surgical hand scrub.
Asepsis is the absence of disease-producing (pathogenic) organisms. Surgical asepsis, or sterile
D
technique, includes procedures used to eliminate all microorganisms from an area. Surgical hand
scrub, sterile glove application, and sterile gown application are examples of surgical asepsis.
O
A radiographer receives a request for a portable chest x-ray and then performs the x-ray on the
incorrect patient. Which legal term best describes the actions of the radiographer?
N
A. Battery
B. Negligence
O
C. Assault
D. Invasion of privacy - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Battery
T
Battery is defined as touching to which the victim has not consented. Performing a procedure on the
wrong patient may constitute grounds for a charge of battery.
C
The lead radiographer is planning a strategy to efficiently manage the morning workload. The
O
department is short-staffed due to meetings, and four patients are now ready for their examinations.
Assuming that none of the exams is emergent, which patient should be seen first?
PY
A. An 54-year-old male with type 2 diabetes for an upper GI
B. A 18-year-old female for an intravenous urogram
C. An 83-year-old female for a chest x-ray
D. A two-year-old child for a barium swallow - CORRECT ANSWER-D. A two-year-old child for a
barium swallow
An x-ray department should begin the day with patients who are fasting prior to their examination. In
this example, more than one of the patients is fasting, so the radiographer must decide who goes first
based on other factors. Since none of the cases are emergent, consideration should be given to
pediatric and geriatric patients because they have the most difficulty being NPO for long periods of
time.
Which type of contrast agent is preferred for low risk and low cost for a patient diagnosed with a
possible perforated bowel?
,A. Barium sulfate suspension, flavored
B. Gaseous media in the form of crystals
C. Ionic, water soluble, diluted with juice
D. Nonionic, water soluble, diluted with juice - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Ionic, water soluble, diluted
with juice
The least risk with the least cost would dictate ionic, water soluble media. Barium should definitely be
avoided, because of the risk of introducing contrast into the peritoneum. Barium sulfate suspension
might cause adhesions if it spills into the peritoneum via a perforation. Gaseous media will not yield
all of the information that positive media will in this case.
A patient reports symptoms including itching, rash formation, and difficulty breathing immediately
following the administration of intravenous (IV) contrast media. Assuming the patient has had no prior
exposure to radiopaque contrast media, what is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
D
A. Acute bronchospasm
B. Allergic reaction
C. Anaphylactoid reaction
O
D. Acute renal failure - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Anaphylactoid reaction
The symptoms described in this scenario are the result of an anaphylactoid reaction, a type of reaction
N
that clinically mimics anaphylaxis but requires no previous exposure to contrast media.
O
A patient received 100 ml of IV contrast media as a part of an abdominal computed tomography (CT)
scan, as well as 500 ml of dilute, oral contrast, prior to coming to Radiology for a separate order, an
T
intravenous urogram (IVU). The patient's creatinine is 0.4 mg/dl and BUN is 36 mg/dl. Why should
this IVU be rescheduled?
C
A. The presence of the previous oral contrast in the abdomen precludes an IVU.
B. The lab values indicate increased risk for contrast injection.
O
C. The lab values indicate that the contrast would not be excreted in sufficient quantity to be useful for
an IVU.
D. The presence of the previous intravenous contrast precludes an IVU - CORRECT ANSWER-A.
PY
The presence of the previous oral contrast in the abdomen precludes an IVU.
The single, most compelling reason to reschedule this IVU is the presence of previous oral contrast in
the abdomen.
The radiographer is assisting a patient to move from a wheelchair to the x-ray table. Which represents
the safest practice by the radiographer when moving this patient?
A. Maintain the center of gravity over the base of support.
B. Extend the arms as far as possible to increase the base of support.
C. Bend at the waist so the center of gravity is midway between the patient and the base of support.
D. Reduce the base of support slightly so the center of gravity is easier to maintain. - CORRECT
ANSWER-A. Maintain the center of gravity over the base of support.
,The radiographer should maintain the center of gravity over the base of support. If movement is
required, then the feet should be moved to maintain this relationship. All other responses violate proper
body mechanics.
Which term best describes the process of cleaning the surfaces in a radiology department with 10%
bleach solution in water?
A. Sterile technique
B. Medical asepsis
C. Sterilization
D. Surgical asepsis - CORRECT ANSWER-B. Medical asepsis
Proper cleanliness, like hand washing and cleaning surfaces, is termed medical asepsis.
Which action is best taught to the patient using the communication technique of demonstration?
D
A. The correct positioning for a particular projection.
B. Instructions for donning and removing a patient gown.
O
C. The correct direction to face when sitting at the radiography table.
D. Direction on where to sit relative to the radiography table. - CORRECT ANSWER-A. The correct
positioning for a particular projection.
N
Demonstration is particularly effective for showing a patient the specifics of a position.
O
Which actions should the radiographer take to help prevent acquired infections in hospitals or clinics?
T
(Select the four that apply.)
A. Placing used needles in sharps containers.
C
B. Placing biologically soiled linen in biohazard linen bags.
C. Wearing exam gloves and changing them between each patient.
O
D. Placing used syringes in isolated trash receptacles.
E. Washing hands frequently and using hand lotion afterward. - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Placing used
needles in sharps containers.
PY
B. Placing biologically soiled linen in biohazard linen bags.
C. Wearing exam gloves and changing them between each patient.
E. Washing hands frequently and using hand lotion afterward.
Identify the medical conditions in a patient's history which should be cleared by the radiologist before
injection of an ionic, water soluble, injectable contrast agent. (Select the four that apply.)
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Age over 40
C. Compromised renal function
D. Diabetes
E. Sickle cell anemia - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Pheochromocytoma
C. Compromised renal function
D. Diabetes
E. Sickle cell anemia
, Which steps are involved in legally obtaining informed consent to perform a radiographic procedure?
(Select the four that apply.)
A. The patient has been informed about alternatives to this particular procedure.
B. The patient has been informed about procedures in place to mitigate risks.
C. The patient has been informed about the risks involved in the procedure.
D. The patient is legally competent.
E. The patient signed an informed consent form of their own volition in view of multiple witnesses -
CORRECT ANSWER-A. The patient has been informed about alternatives to this particular
procedure.
B. The patient has been informed about procedures in place to mitigate risks.
C. The patient has been informed about the risks involved in the procedure.
D. The patient is legally competent.
D
How should a drug be administered to get the quickest response?
A. Subcutaneously
O
B. Intravenously
C. Orally
D. Rectally - CORRECT ANSWER-B. Intravenously
N
Intravenous medication administrations result in the quickest response.
O
Which nonverbal cue best demonstrates attentiveness and concern for a patient who is giving a
T
medical history?
A. A pleasant smile.
C
B. Consistent eye contact.
C. Taking notes.
O
D. Turning the head to the side to place one ear closer. - CORRECT ANSWER-B. Consistent eye
contact.
PY
Maintaining eye contact is an effective way to show the patient attentiveness and concern.
A radiographer enters a room to take a portable foot series on a patient in her final trimester of
pregnancy. The patient is just finishing her lunch and begins choking. How should the radiographer
respond to this medical emergency?
A. Place the patient in the Trendelenburg position.
B. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
C. Apply an inward and upward thrust in the midline of the abdomen.
D. Initiate a backward thrust in the center of the sternum. - CORRECT ANSWER-D. Initiate a
backward thrust in the center of the sternum.
Abdominal thrusts can be dangerous in the late stages of pregnancy, so the radiographer should use
backward thrusts in the center of the sternum.
Graded A+| Latest Update 2026
Which procedure is an example of surgical asepsis?
A. Clean glove application.
B. Hand washing
C. Clean gown application
D. Surgical hand scrub. - CORRECT ANSWER-D. Surgical hand scrub.
Asepsis is the absence of disease-producing (pathogenic) organisms. Surgical asepsis, or sterile
D
technique, includes procedures used to eliminate all microorganisms from an area. Surgical hand
scrub, sterile glove application, and sterile gown application are examples of surgical asepsis.
O
A radiographer receives a request for a portable chest x-ray and then performs the x-ray on the
incorrect patient. Which legal term best describes the actions of the radiographer?
N
A. Battery
B. Negligence
O
C. Assault
D. Invasion of privacy - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Battery
T
Battery is defined as touching to which the victim has not consented. Performing a procedure on the
wrong patient may constitute grounds for a charge of battery.
C
The lead radiographer is planning a strategy to efficiently manage the morning workload. The
O
department is short-staffed due to meetings, and four patients are now ready for their examinations.
Assuming that none of the exams is emergent, which patient should be seen first?
PY
A. An 54-year-old male with type 2 diabetes for an upper GI
B. A 18-year-old female for an intravenous urogram
C. An 83-year-old female for a chest x-ray
D. A two-year-old child for a barium swallow - CORRECT ANSWER-D. A two-year-old child for a
barium swallow
An x-ray department should begin the day with patients who are fasting prior to their examination. In
this example, more than one of the patients is fasting, so the radiographer must decide who goes first
based on other factors. Since none of the cases are emergent, consideration should be given to
pediatric and geriatric patients because they have the most difficulty being NPO for long periods of
time.
Which type of contrast agent is preferred for low risk and low cost for a patient diagnosed with a
possible perforated bowel?
,A. Barium sulfate suspension, flavored
B. Gaseous media in the form of crystals
C. Ionic, water soluble, diluted with juice
D. Nonionic, water soluble, diluted with juice - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Ionic, water soluble, diluted
with juice
The least risk with the least cost would dictate ionic, water soluble media. Barium should definitely be
avoided, because of the risk of introducing contrast into the peritoneum. Barium sulfate suspension
might cause adhesions if it spills into the peritoneum via a perforation. Gaseous media will not yield
all of the information that positive media will in this case.
A patient reports symptoms including itching, rash formation, and difficulty breathing immediately
following the administration of intravenous (IV) contrast media. Assuming the patient has had no prior
exposure to radiopaque contrast media, what is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
D
A. Acute bronchospasm
B. Allergic reaction
C. Anaphylactoid reaction
O
D. Acute renal failure - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Anaphylactoid reaction
The symptoms described in this scenario are the result of an anaphylactoid reaction, a type of reaction
N
that clinically mimics anaphylaxis but requires no previous exposure to contrast media.
O
A patient received 100 ml of IV contrast media as a part of an abdominal computed tomography (CT)
scan, as well as 500 ml of dilute, oral contrast, prior to coming to Radiology for a separate order, an
T
intravenous urogram (IVU). The patient's creatinine is 0.4 mg/dl and BUN is 36 mg/dl. Why should
this IVU be rescheduled?
C
A. The presence of the previous oral contrast in the abdomen precludes an IVU.
B. The lab values indicate increased risk for contrast injection.
O
C. The lab values indicate that the contrast would not be excreted in sufficient quantity to be useful for
an IVU.
D. The presence of the previous intravenous contrast precludes an IVU - CORRECT ANSWER-A.
PY
The presence of the previous oral contrast in the abdomen precludes an IVU.
The single, most compelling reason to reschedule this IVU is the presence of previous oral contrast in
the abdomen.
The radiographer is assisting a patient to move from a wheelchair to the x-ray table. Which represents
the safest practice by the radiographer when moving this patient?
A. Maintain the center of gravity over the base of support.
B. Extend the arms as far as possible to increase the base of support.
C. Bend at the waist so the center of gravity is midway between the patient and the base of support.
D. Reduce the base of support slightly so the center of gravity is easier to maintain. - CORRECT
ANSWER-A. Maintain the center of gravity over the base of support.
,The radiographer should maintain the center of gravity over the base of support. If movement is
required, then the feet should be moved to maintain this relationship. All other responses violate proper
body mechanics.
Which term best describes the process of cleaning the surfaces in a radiology department with 10%
bleach solution in water?
A. Sterile technique
B. Medical asepsis
C. Sterilization
D. Surgical asepsis - CORRECT ANSWER-B. Medical asepsis
Proper cleanliness, like hand washing and cleaning surfaces, is termed medical asepsis.
Which action is best taught to the patient using the communication technique of demonstration?
D
A. The correct positioning for a particular projection.
B. Instructions for donning and removing a patient gown.
O
C. The correct direction to face when sitting at the radiography table.
D. Direction on where to sit relative to the radiography table. - CORRECT ANSWER-A. The correct
positioning for a particular projection.
N
Demonstration is particularly effective for showing a patient the specifics of a position.
O
Which actions should the radiographer take to help prevent acquired infections in hospitals or clinics?
T
(Select the four that apply.)
A. Placing used needles in sharps containers.
C
B. Placing biologically soiled linen in biohazard linen bags.
C. Wearing exam gloves and changing them between each patient.
O
D. Placing used syringes in isolated trash receptacles.
E. Washing hands frequently and using hand lotion afterward. - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Placing used
needles in sharps containers.
PY
B. Placing biologically soiled linen in biohazard linen bags.
C. Wearing exam gloves and changing them between each patient.
E. Washing hands frequently and using hand lotion afterward.
Identify the medical conditions in a patient's history which should be cleared by the radiologist before
injection of an ionic, water soluble, injectable contrast agent. (Select the four that apply.)
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Age over 40
C. Compromised renal function
D. Diabetes
E. Sickle cell anemia - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Pheochromocytoma
C. Compromised renal function
D. Diabetes
E. Sickle cell anemia
, Which steps are involved in legally obtaining informed consent to perform a radiographic procedure?
(Select the four that apply.)
A. The patient has been informed about alternatives to this particular procedure.
B. The patient has been informed about procedures in place to mitigate risks.
C. The patient has been informed about the risks involved in the procedure.
D. The patient is legally competent.
E. The patient signed an informed consent form of their own volition in view of multiple witnesses -
CORRECT ANSWER-A. The patient has been informed about alternatives to this particular
procedure.
B. The patient has been informed about procedures in place to mitigate risks.
C. The patient has been informed about the risks involved in the procedure.
D. The patient is legally competent.
D
How should a drug be administered to get the quickest response?
A. Subcutaneously
O
B. Intravenously
C. Orally
D. Rectally - CORRECT ANSWER-B. Intravenously
N
Intravenous medication administrations result in the quickest response.
O
Which nonverbal cue best demonstrates attentiveness and concern for a patient who is giving a
T
medical history?
A. A pleasant smile.
C
B. Consistent eye contact.
C. Taking notes.
O
D. Turning the head to the side to place one ear closer. - CORRECT ANSWER-B. Consistent eye
contact.
PY
Maintaining eye contact is an effective way to show the patient attentiveness and concern.
A radiographer enters a room to take a portable foot series on a patient in her final trimester of
pregnancy. The patient is just finishing her lunch and begins choking. How should the radiographer
respond to this medical emergency?
A. Place the patient in the Trendelenburg position.
B. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
C. Apply an inward and upward thrust in the midline of the abdomen.
D. Initiate a backward thrust in the center of the sternum. - CORRECT ANSWER-D. Initiate a
backward thrust in the center of the sternum.
Abdominal thrusts can be dangerous in the late stages of pregnancy, so the radiographer should use
backward thrusts in the center of the sternum.
