Question 1

A technique chart should be established for:

Accepted Answer

A technique chart should be developed for each tube, even when tubes are located in the same room or share a generator.

Question 2

Technique charts are still needed when using Automatic Exposure Control (AEC).

Accepted Answer

Technique charts are still highly useful when using AEC because many procedural factors (i.e., kVp, detectors, SID, focal spot size, etc.) need to be standardized.

Question 3

If a part measures 14 cm and requires the use of 75 kVp, how much kVp would a part measuring 18 cm require when using a variable kVp/fixed mAs technique chart?

Accepted Answer

Increasing part thickness by 4 cm requires an increase of 8 kVp (2 kVp per cm).

Question 4

What are calipers used for?

Accepted Answer

Calipers are used to measure the thickness of the part being examined. The technique chart should indicate where the part thickness should be measured.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT required to be part of a standardized technique chart?

Accepted Answer

Object to image receptor distance (OID) is not included in the technique chart information; typically OID should be as little as possible, but patient condition may affect the OID.

Question 6

When using a fixed kVp/variable mAs technique chart, if part thickness increases by 5 cm, what needs to happen to the mAs?

Accepted Answer

Increasing part thickness by 4-5 cm requires a doubling of the mAs when using a fixed kVp/variable mAs technique chart.

Question 7

Optimal kVp values for each anatomic area have been established.

Accepted Answer

Optimal kVp levels have not been established. Each department needs to determine the optimal kVp for each anatomic area.

Question 8

Where does a radiographer find the established guidelines for selecting exposure factors for a radiographic examination?

Accepted Answer

A technique chart will provide the technologist with established guidelines for selecting exposure factors.

Question 9

Which of the following is/are true regarding development of an effective technique chart?

Accepted Answer

In order for a technique chart to be effective, image processing must be consistent and the equipment must be calibrated to ensure the accuracy of the tube output.

Question 10

What is the purpose of a technique chart?

Accepted Answer

Technique charts are useful in maintaining consistent image quality, reducing the number of repeat exposures and reducing patient dose.

Question 11

Departmental standards, such as the SID or whether an exam is done table-top or Bucky, should be determined:

Accepted Answer

In that a goal of a technique chart is to standardize exposure factors, it is essential that departmental standards be developed prior to creation of technique charts.

Question 12

A patient measuring 26 cm requires 25 mAs at 75 kVp based on a fixed kVp/variable mAs technique chart. What technique should be used for the next patient, who measures 34 cm?

Accepted Answer

In that a fixed kVp/variable mAs technique chart is being used, the kVp must remain at 75. The patient measuring 34 cm (8 cm larger than the first) requires the mAs to be doubled twice (twice the mAs for every increase of 4-5 cm).

Question 13

Radiographic contrast would be standardized with the:

Accepted Answer

In that kVp controls the level of radiographic contrast, the fixed kVp/variable mAs technique chart will best standardize the radiographic contrast.

Question 14

Generally speaking, patient dose will be decreased with the:

Accepted Answer

Patient dose is typically lower with the fixed kVp/variable mAs technique chart because the optimal kVp is higher than that used with a variable kVp chart.

Question 15

What kind of chart uses a kVp value that is high enough to adequately penetrate the part but does not diminish radiographic contrast?

Accepted Answer

A fixed kVp technique chart identifies an optimal kVp, one that is high enough to ensure penetration but not so high that the contrast will be diminished.

Question 16

The technique chart will provide information as to how to recognize and compensate for additive pathology.

Accepted Answer

The technique chart can not provide information for all patient variables. It is up to the radiographer to use critical thinking skills to assess the patient and make adjustments.

Question 17

What is the appropriate change in kVp when using a variable kVp/fixed mAs technique chart for a 1 cm change in tissue thickness?

Accepted Answer

A 1 cm change in tissue thickness calls for a 2 kVp change when using a variable kVp/fixed mAs technique chart.

Question 18

Two identical rooms, having the same generator and tube and installed at the same time, do not require development of separate technique charts. The chart for one room can accurately be used in the other.

Accepted Answer

Even though the rooms seem identical, individual technique charts should be developed for each tube.

Question 19

A variable kVp/fixed mAs chart may be most effective with:

Accepted Answer

A variable kVp/fixed mAs technique chart may be more effective for pediatric patients or for small body parts, due to the lower kVp needed.

Question 20

Accurate patient measurement is most critical for the:

Accepted Answer

In that the exposure factors will change with every 1 cm change in part thickness, accurate patient measurement is most critical with the variable kVp/fixed mAs technique chart.

Quiz 10: Exposure Factor Selection