Question 1

If the image quality acceptance limits are narrow,

Accepted Answer

If the image quality acceptance limits are narrow, it means that only images that meet high-quality standards will be acceptable. This may result in a high rate of image repeats, as many images may not meet the stricter criteria.

Question 2

Which phase of the imaging process includes control of factors such as density, contrast, recorded detail, and distortion?

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

Visibility of detail quality factors include all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

X-ray tube focal spot size affects image sharpness, not visibility of detail quality factors like density, contrast, and grids.

Question 4

The acceptance limit curve is often skewed to the ____ side.

Accepted Answer

The acceptance limit curve is often skewed to the low-contrast side because systems are generally more sensitive to changes in low-contrast areas, where differences are less pronounced and harder to detect, than in high-contrast areas.

Question 5

Factors that affect the shape of the acceptance limit curve of medical images include all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The shape of the acceptance limit curve of medical images is affected by equipment condition, department quality standards, and positioning abilities of the radiographer, but not by department location.

Question 6

Geometric image quality factors include:
1)focal spot selection
2)SID
3)grid ratio
4)filtration thickness
5)OID
6)tube angulation
7)part thickness
8)receptor resolution

Accepted Answer

Geometric image quality factors are those that affect the sharpness and clarity of the radiographic image. These include focal spot size (1), which affects detail by determining the sharpness of the image; Source-to-Image Distance (SID) (2), which influences magnification and spatial resolution; Object-to-Image Distance (OID) (5), affecting magnification and sharpness; tube angulation (6), which can cause distortion; part thickness (7), influencing contrast and sharpness; and receptor resolution (8), determining the ability to visualize small details. Grid ratio (3) and filtration thickness (4) are not considered geometric factors but rather factors affecting image contrast and patient dose, respectively.

Question 7

What process is used to create a hard copy of digital images?

Accepted Answer

Laser printing is a common process used to create hard copies of digital images. The digital image is sent to a laser printer which uses toner to create an image on paper.

Answer: C 
 Wet mounting is another process used to create hard copies of digital images, typically used for high-quality photographs. The digital image is printed on a special paper and then mounted onto a substrate using a wet adhesive.

Answer: B 
 DICOM formatting is not a process used to create hard copies of digital images, but rather a standardized format used to store and transmit medical images.

Answer: D 
 This answer is incorrect as hard copies of digital images can be created using various processes, as discussed above.

Question 8

After a radiograph of the hip in the translateral projection is completed, the final image is judged by one of the radiographers as marginally acceptable, as it might show the acetabular rim and femoral head.The logical correct action to take would be to

Accepted Answer

The logical correct action to take in this scenario would be to repeat the image to obtain better image quality. The radiographer should strive to produce high-quality images before presenting them for interpretation to ensure accurate diagnosis by the radiologist. Presenting the image to a visiting radiologist or a radiologist known to be "popular" with technologists may not solve the problem of marginal acceptability of the image. Sending the image for interpretation but making a note of the quality issue may lead to confusion and potential misinterpretation by the radiologist. Therefore, repeating the image to obtain better quality is the best option.

Question 9

A KUB is completed on an obese patient using AEC and 70kVp.The x-ray generator terminated early after hitting the preset backup mAs value.The final image reveals a low EI value.Effective image analysis could reveal that

Accepted Answer

The incorrect combination of AEC detectors could lead to premature termination of the exposure, resulting in a low exposure index (EI) value. This is because the detectors may not have been properly aligned with the area of interest, causing the system to end the exposure too soon.

Question 10

Image quality is primarily the domain of the

Accepted Answer

The radiographer is primarily responsible for image quality as they are directly involved in the acquisition of images, including setting the correct parameters and ensuring the image meets the necessary diagnostic criteria.

Question 11

Which phase of the imaging process incorporates the concepts of spatial resolution, density and brightness, and contrast and dynamic range?

Accepted Answer

The image display phase involves spatial resolution, density and brightness, contrast, and dynamic range, as these factors are crucial for accurately presenting the final image to the viewer.

Question 12

Which of these activities would be inconsistent with the "scope of practice" of the radiographer?

Accepted Answer

While radiographers can assist physicians in identifying the presence of abnormal structures on imaging exams, it is outside the scope of their practice to diagnose medical conditions such as pneumonia.

Answer: A 
 Radiographers can provide input on imaging techniques and parameters to improve image quality to radiologists and other imaging professionals.

Answer: C 
 Obtaining additional patient information is within the scope of the radiographer's practice as it contributes to the overall patient history that can inform medical decision-making.

Answer: D 
 Radiographers can repeat images if necessary for diagnostic purposes, which includes determining that the image quality is suboptimal due to technical factors such as the S#.

Question 13

After completing a chest radiograph on a female patient with large pendulous breasts, the final image demonstrates acceptable density and contrast but a loss of recorded detail in the lung bases.The professional radiographer would

Accepted Answer

The loss of recorded detail in the lung bases is likely due to the breasts overlapping the area of interest. Asking the patient to separate her breasts and repeating the exam in the PA projection will allow for improved visibility of the lung bases. Increasing the SID or mAs will not address the issue of breast overlap. Repeating the exam in the AP projection will not address the issue of breast overlap and may not provide better visualization of the lung bases.

Question 14

Producing an acceptable radiograph requires consideration of

Accepted Answer

Producing an acceptable radiograph requires consideration of technical factor selection (such as mAs, kVp, and exposure time), pathology (such as abnormalities that may affect image quality or diagnosis), and image processing (such as contrast, brightness, and sharpness adjustments). All of these factors are important in creating a diagnostic-quality radiograph.

Question 15

When many radiographic factors are acting upon one other, it is known as

Accepted Answer

A pyramid problem refers to a situation in radiography where multiple factors influence each other, often complicating decision-making or problem-solving processes.

Question 16

After a radiograph of the lumbar spine (AP) is completed, the final image reveals a S# of 758.Your correct image analysis leads you to

Accepted Answer

The given information "S#" does not provide any relevant information to determine the cause of the issue in the image. Therefore, increasing mAs or kVp or decreasing SID may not solve the problem. Further evaluation and analysis may be necessary to determine the corrective action needed. Thus, option D is the best choice.

Question 17

All of the following are related except one.Select the choice not related to the others.

Accepted Answer

Image analysis, acquisition, and processing are all steps involved in the processing of digital images. Image analysis involves the examination and interpretation of image data, image acquisition refers to the process of capturing the image data in the first place, and image processing involves manipulating the image data to enhance or alter it in some way. However, image transmission refers to the transfer or sharing of image data between devices or systems, which is not a step in the actual processing of digital images.

Question 18

Upon analysis of a chest radiograph taken on a female patient, the radiographer notices that there is an uneven radiographic density over the lung bases.One lung base is significantly underexposed compared to the other.In an effort to determine the possible cause(s), a logical strategy to take would be to

Accepted Answer

Breast surgery, such as mastectomy or reconstruction, can lead to changes in tissue density, which may affect radiographic appearance.

Question 19

Which phase of the imaging process is unique to each imaging modality?

Accepted Answer

Image acquisition is the phase of the imaging process that is unique to each imaging modality. Each modality has its own specific way of capturing images, whether it be through x-rays, ultrasound waves, magnetic fields, or other methods. The other phases of the imaging process (analysis, archiving, and display) are generally the same regardless of the imaging modality being used.

Question 20

Generally speaking, the primary cause of increased patient radiation dose is

Accepted Answer

Repeat images increase patient radiation dose because the patient is exposed to additional radiation each time an image is retaken.

Quiz 25: The Imaging Process