Question 1

For most chest x-ray studies, what is usually done?

Accepted Answer

For most chest x-ray studies, a full inspiration is usually done to allow for the best visualization of the lung fields, heart, and other structures within the chest. This practice helps in spreading the lungs and minimizing overlapping structures, which can obscure details.

Question 2

The respiratory therapist is called to evaluate a patient with a suspected pleural effusion. The respiratory therapist would most likely recommend which of the following chest radiographic views to help determine if the patient has a pleural effusion?

Accepted Answer

A lateral decubitus film is specifically recommended for detecting pleural effusions because it allows the fluid to layer out and become more visible, especially if the effusion is small and might not be easily seen on standard upright films.

Question 3

Which of the following would be normal findings of the heart and its surrounding area?
1) The left hilum is about 2 cm higher than the right hilum.
2) Most of the heart shadow is to the right of the sternum.
3) Calcified lymph nodes indicate an adult patient.
4) The cardiothoracic ratio is less than 1:2.

Accepted Answer

1) The left hilum is normally higher than the right, which is a normal anatomical variation. 4) A cardiothoracic ratio of less than 1:2 on a chest X-ray is considered normal, indicating that the heart size is within normal limits relative to the chest size.

Question 4

The respiratory therapist is reviewing the electronic medical record of a patient in the medical ICU. In reading the most recent chest radiograph interpretation, the therapist notes that the cardiothoracic ratio is stated to be less than 1:2 on the PA view. How should the therapist interpret this information?

Accepted Answer

A cardiothoracic ratio of less than 1:2 on the PA (posteroanterior) view is considered normal, indicating that the heart size is within normal limits relative to the chest size.

Question 5

The respiratory therapist is called to evaluate a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolus. The respiratory therapist would most likely recommend which of the following diagnostic procedures to help determine if the patient has a pulmonary embolus?

Accepted Answer

CTPA (Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography) is the most recommended diagnostic procedure for detecting a pulmonary embolism. It provides detailed images of the blood vessels in the lungs to check for blockages.

Question 6

A patient has a long smoking history and has recently coughed up blood. The physician suspects that there may be lung cancer, but no lesions can be seen on a standard chest radiograph. A CT scan offers which of the following advantages?
1) Bronchial tumors can be seen.
2) Lung tumors as small as 0.4 cm can be seen.
3) A tumor's metabolism can be identified.
4) A mediastinal mass can be seen.

Accepted Answer

CT scans are highly effective in detecting small lung tumors, even as small as 0.4 cm, and can visualize bronchial and mediastinal masses. However, they do not provide metabolic information about tumors; PET scans are used for that purpose.

Question 7

A patient has had a ventilation-perfusion scan. What would be identified from the ventilation scan?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient has had a ventilation-perfusion scan....

Question 8

The respiratory therapist is reviewing the transthoracic echocardiogram of a patient. The images are very poor. What other type of imaging study can they suggest to the physician to improve the image quality?

Accepted Answer

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) provides images of the heart from within the esophagus, which is closer to the heart and not obstructed by the ribs or lungs, thus offering clearer images when transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) quality is poor.

Question 9

Which of the following are evaluated on a chest radiograph?
1) Examination of baby in pregnant women
2) Exposure quality
3) The heart shadow
4) The tracheobronchial tree

Accepted Answer

Exposure quality, the heart shadow, and the tracheobronchial tree are evaluated on a chest radiograph. Examination of a baby in pregnant women is not assessed through a chest radiograph.

Question 10

The heart shadow on a chest radiograph will show up larger than normal on a(n):

Accepted Answer

An AP (anteroposterior) film typically shows the heart shadow larger than normal because the heart is closer to the x-ray source, magnifying its image compared to a PA (posteroanterior) film where the heart is closer to the film plate, reducing magnification.

Question 11

The chest radiograph shows blunting of the patient's costophrenic angles. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Blunting of the costophrenic angles on a chest radiograph typically suggests the presence of pleural fluid, as it indicates that fluid is collecting in the pleural space, obscuring the sharp angles normally seen where the diaphragm meets the ribs.

Question 12

A PET/CT scan can provide which of the following?
1) Early detection of cancer metastasis
2) Accurate staging of cancer
3) Radiation treatment of the cancer
4) Activation of chemotherapy drugs within the tumor

Accepted Answer

PET/CT scans are primarily used for early detection of cancer metastasis and accurate staging of cancer. They do not directly treat cancer through radiation or activate chemotherapy drugs within the tumor.

Question 13

Which of the following is true of a chest radiograph?

Accepted Answer

Lateral films are indeed shot through one side of an upright patient, providing a side view of the chest which is essential for a comprehensive assessment of the thoracic structures.

Question 14

Which of the following can be identified by pulmonary angiography?
1) Pulmonary emboli
2) Coronary artery occlusions
3) Arteriovenous malformations
4) Cause of hemoptysis

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the blood vessels of the lungs. It is particularly useful for identifying pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the arteries of the lungs) and arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins), which can both affect pulmonary blood flow. It is not used for diagnosing coronary artery occlusions, as these occur in the heart's arteries, not the lungs. It can also help identify the cause of hemoptysis (coughing up blood) by showing abnormalities in the pulmonary vessels.

Quiz 8: Radiologic Examination of the Chest

For most chest x-ray studies, what is usually done?

The respiratory therapist is called to evaluate a patient with a suspected pleural effusion. The respiratory therapist would most likely recommend which of the following chest radiographic views to help determine if the patient has a pleural effusion?

The respiratory therapist is called to evaluate a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolus. The respiratory therapist would most likely recommend which of the following diagnostic procedures to help determine if the patient has a pulmonary embolus?

A patient has had a ventilation-perfusion scan. What would be identified from the ventilation scan?

The respiratory therapist is reviewing the transthoracic echocardiogram of a patient. The images are very poor. What other type of imaging study can they suggest to the physician to improve the image quality?

Which of the following are evaluated on a chest radiograph? 1) Examination of baby in pregnant women 2) Exposure quality 3) The heart shadow 4) The tracheobronchial tree

The heart shadow on a chest radiograph will show up larger than normal on a(n) :

The chest radiograph shows blunting of the patient's costophrenic angles. What does this suggest?

A PET/CT scan can provide which of the following? 1) Early detection of cancer metastasis 2) Accurate staging of cancer 3) Radiation treatment of the cancer 4) Activation of chemotherapy drugs within the tumor

Which of the following is true of a chest radiograph?

Which of the following can be identified by pulmonary angiography? 1) Pulmonary emboli 2) Coronary artery occlusions 3) Arteriovenous malformations 4) Cause of hemoptysis