AQUIFER - RADIOLOGY ACTUAL

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AQUIFER - RADIOLOGY ACTUAL

EXAM QUESTIONS WITH

ANSWERS

Question 1: What is the difference between window and

reconstruction on CT?

CORRECT ANSWER : Window refers to the adjustment

of contrast and brightness settings to optimize visualization of specific tissues on a CT image.Reconstruction involves processing raw CT data to create images with higher resolution and contrast, which can be done in 3D (orthogonal) or linear (e.g., vascular) formats.

Question 2: What is the total range of Hounsfield units

available?

CORRECT ANSWER : -1000 (air) to +1000 (metal), a

range of 2000 Hounsfield units.

Question 3: What does a typical computer display show

for greyscale range, and what can the human eye actually distinguish?

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CORRECT ANSWER : A typical computer display

shows 256 shades of grey (each shade covers ~8 HU).The human eye can distinguish approximately 17 shades of grey.

Question 4: What is a good way to check diaphragm

flattening?

CORRECT ANSWER : Look at the lateral film; the

diaphragm will appear flat, as if a ruler could be set along its edge.

Question 5: What can poor inspiration/hypoinflation

appear like?

CORRECT ANSWER: Consolidation or pneumonia.

Question 6: How should you look at the lung fields?

CORRECT ANSWER : Use a sweep or zigzag pattern

down the lung field on both PA and lateral views. Look for focal or diffuse abnormalities, bilateral asymmetry, interstitial/vascular markings, lucencies (cavity, bullae,

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pneumothorax), and compare upper, middle, and lower zones, as well as left and right sides.

Question 7: Which hilum should always appear higher on

the radiograph?

CORRECT ANSWER : The left-sided hilum should be

higher; if it is not, it is pathological.

Question 8: What should you look for with the heart on a

chest radiograph?

CORRECT ANSWER : Assess the size of the heart

using the cardiac:thoracic cavity ratio, and evaluate the

left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV).

Question 9: What mediastinal lines should be observed on

a PA film?

CORRECT ANSWER : Right paratracheal line, azygous

area, azygoesophageal line, and paraaortic line (all the way down). If these are visible, determine the reason why.

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Question 10: How should you look at the bones on an X-

ray?

CORRECT ANSWER : Use the quadrant method (above

and below the ribs), examine the spine for abnormalities, metastases, or collapse, and evaluate the middle lung section.

Question 11: When should you start looking at old films?

CORRECT ANSWER : After completely evaluating the

new scan.

Question 12: What are the ACR Appropriateness Criteria?

CORRECT ANSWER : Evidence-based algorithms to

ensure the safest, most cost-effective, and efficient radiological diagnosis or intervention for specific clinical presentations. Federal law requires consulting these criteria for ordering advanced imaging services (CT, MR, nuclear medicine, PET) for Medicare patients.

Question 13: How are ACR Appropriateness Criteria

divided/staged?