Questions and Answers
What actions should take place prior to beginning the preparation of the radiographic technique chart? (Select all that apply)
A foundation technique chart is one made for which patient population?
Average sized adult patients
What is the minimal amount of kilovolts peak (kVp) that should be present on a technique chart used for computed radiography (excluding mammography)?
50
The principal types of radiographic technique charts are based on what factors? (Select all that apply)
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What technique factors on a technique chart influence the exposure of the image receptor (IR)? (Select all that apply)
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What technique factor controls the contrast of a radiographic image?
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When selecting radiographic technique for a pediatric patient, which factor is important to consider? (Select all that apply)
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Fixed-kVp charts can be calculated with specific mAs values for how much thickness?
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Exposure directed by what type of radiographic technique chart usually results in higher patient radiation dose and less exposure latitude?
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The focal-spot size setting on a technique chart controls what technique factor?
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What is the first step in beginning the preparation of a variable-kVp radiographic technique chart?
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A lateral image should be performed with which technical factors after taking a PA image of the skull on an average-sized infant using 75 kVp and 10 mAs?
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What exposure factor needs to be adjusted before taking the radiograph of a patient with an obvious deformity of the forearm?
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For chest radiography, all skeletal tissue is penetrated and visualization of the different soft tissue mass densities present is enhanced when what kVp is selected?
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In which locations should radiographic technique charts be located? (Select all that apply)
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When using a fixed-kVp radiographic technique chart, what factor is adjusted according to the thickness of the anatomical part to provide the proper optical density (OD)?
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Which kilovoltage setting range would be most appropriate for adequate penetration of a lateral lumbar spine on a digital system?
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What is the principal advantage of using radiographic technique charts?
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Which increase is needed for every centimeter of thickness difference when developing a variable-kilovoltage technique chart?
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To use modern x-ray generators with anatomic programmers that can store various techniques, what factor does the radiographer select?
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Using fixed-kVp charts, by what percentage does the milliampere-seconds (mAs) need to be increased to properly image a body part that is swollen as a result of trauma?
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When using a fixed-kVp radiographic technique chart, by what percentage should the mAs be increased when imaging large body parts?
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When a radiographic technique chart is found to be inadequate, what factors should be checked first? (Select all that apply)
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Which conditions would require a decrease in the foundational technical factors on a technique chart? (Select all that apply)
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To prepare a high-kVp technique chart, what is the procedure similar to?
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Radiographic technique charts and their use become an important issue with what aspect of patient care?
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Which type of technique chart may result in more uniform images?
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The foundation factors on the radiographic technique chart should be adjusted according to what patient factor in order to maintain uniform quality?
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Which conditions would require an increase in the regular technical factors on a technique chart? (Select all that apply)
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What would the optimum kilovolts peak (kVp) be for most extremities on fixed kVp technique charts?
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Upon adding a plaster cast, what effect will it have on exposure to the image receptor (IR)?
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For most x-ray examinations of the spine and trunk of the body, the optimal kilovolts peak (kVp) is approximately what value on the technique charts?
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To prepare a fixed kilovolts peak (kVp) radiographic technique chart, what is the first step?
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When selecting radiographic technique for a pediatric patient, which factor is important to consider? (Select all that apply)
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What type of radiographic technique chart is used most often in clinical practice?
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What type of exposure techniques are ideal for barium work to ensure adequate penetration of the barium?
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Which pathologic changes require a decrease in penetration to maintain exposure to the image receptor (IR)? (Select all that apply)
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What amount of kilovolts peak (kVp) should be used during a routine chest exam of an average-sized adult?
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Which requires the greatest adjustment to technique?
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Which should be used to ascertain partial thickness for accurate technique selection?
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A well-designed technique chart should include adjustments for which patient populations? (Select all that apply)
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Which would be used to calculate the appropriate technique adjustment required for a forearm in a plaster cast?
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If a phantom knee measures 14 cm thick, what kilovolts peak (kVp) should be used to begin construction of a variable-kVp technique chart for a three-phase x-ray machine?
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An acute abdominal series is ordered on a patient with ascites. How should the radiologic technologist adjust the settings on the technique chart to adequately visualize the abdomen?
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Which pathologic changes require an increase in penetration to maintain the desired exposure to the image receptor (IR)? (Select all that apply)
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Which imaging exams would most likely use a technique of 85 kilovolts peak (kVp) and 15 milliampere-seconds (mAs) for an adult? (Select all that apply)
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The factors for anteroposterior (AP) shoulder are listed on a technique chart as: 85 kVp, 18 mAs, and source-to-image receptor-distance (SID) of 72 inches. Which factor is not appropriate for an AP shoulder?
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When using a fixed-kVp radiographic technique chart, approximately what kVp is appropriate for the soft tissue of the abdomen?
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Which radiographic technique chart generally uses lower kilovolts peak (kVp)?
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A satisfactory technique chart can be established only if what criteria are met? (Select all that apply)
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How does improper part-central ray alignment affect the image?
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What change to the typical technique chart is necessary when imaging the abdomen of a patient with ulcerative colitis?
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Upon which type of patient are radiographic technique charts based?
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Which kilovoltage setting range would be most appropriate for adequate penetration of a toe?
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Which is the minimum kVp typically found on high-kVp technique charts?
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Which significantly alters contrast and makes a considerable difference in any technique chart?
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Study Notes
Radiographic Technique Charts Overview
- Preparation for a radiographic technique chart requires confirmation of a standard for imaging studies and calibration of x-ray equipment by a medical physicist.
- Foundation technique charts primarily cater to average-sized adult patients.
Key Technical Specifications
- The minimum kilovolts peak (kVp) recommended for computed radiography is 50.
- Fixed kVp charts are typically calculated using specific milliampere-seconds (mAs) values for every 2 cm of thickness.
- Optimal kVp for most extremities is set at 60 kVp, while 80 kVp is standard for spine and trunk examinations.
Techniques and Adjustments
- The primary types of radiographic technique charts include high kilovoltage, fixed kilovoltage, automatic exposure, and variable kilovoltage.
- Variables that influence image receptor exposure include distance, grid ratio, and image receptor speed.
- Contrast in a radiographic image is controlled by kVp, while mAs is adjusted based on anatomical part thickness.
Specific Patient Considerations
- Pediatric patients often require lower mA and higher kVp for proper imaging.
- Conditions such as atrophy, old age, and emaciation necessitate lowering foundational technical factors.
- Pathological conditions like edema, ascites, and enlarged heart call for an increase in technical factors.
Equipment and Setup
- Radiographic technique charts should be accessible on mobile units, in each radiographic room, and on machines that utilize automatic exposure control.
- The addition of a plaster cast typically decreases exposure to the image receptor, necessitating adjustments.
Consistency and Image Quality
- Fixed kilovoltage charts are recognized for their ability to produce more uniform images.
- The principal advantage of utilizing technique charts is to achieve consistent imaging quality.
Calculating and Measuring Techniques
- For high-kVp technique charts, the preparation process resembles that of fixed kilovoltage chart preparation.
- To develop a variable-kVp technique chart, initiate by establishing thickness categories: small, medium, and large.
Special Situations
- For a lateral lumbar spine, an appropriate kVp range is 90-100.
- The typical kVp for chest exams of average-sized adults falls between 110-125.
Chart Adjustments
- When imaging large body parts with fixed-kVp charts, mAs should typically be increased by 30%.
- Optimal adjustments for patients with abdominal conditions, such as ulcerative colitis or ascites, involve manipulating mAs accordingly.
Measurement Tools
- Calibration and adjustment measurements can be precisely achieved using measuring calipers for part thickness.
- Patients requiring special adjustments, including obese and pediatric populations, must have technique charts tailored to their specifics.
Summary of Technique Chart Use
- An adequate technique chart must reconcile radiologist image quality preferences with machine calibration standards.
- Utilizing fixed or variable kilovoltage charts demands a clear understanding of patient anatomy and kVp/mAs relationships to maintain the accuracy of radiographs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the essential actions for preparing radiographic technique charts, including necessary calibrations and patient populations. This quiz covers the foundational concepts required for effective imaging studies.