Question 1

A key distinction between radiographic studies and nuclear studies using radiopharmaceuticals is that

Accepted Answer

A)  nuclear studies are generally more functional in nature.
B)  radiographic examinations are more structural in nature.
C)  both studies use ionizing radiation.
D)  all of the above are correct. D

Question 2

A radiopharmaceutical is

Accepted Answer

A)  a contrast agent.
B)  any medication given to patients in radiology.
C)  any medication given by a radiologist.
D)  a radioactive material used for nuclear imaging with a gamma camera. D

Question 3

Positive contrast agents

Accepted Answer

A)  have high atomic numbers.
B)  appear white on radiographs because of the degree of attenuation.
C)  have a tendency to absorb x-ray photon energy to a great extent.
D)  All of the above are correct. D

Question 4

Stomach examinations using barium sulfate have some degree of risk for patients who are

Accepted Answer

A)  sedated.
B)  mentally disabled.
C)  potentially hypovolemic.
D)  all of the above.

Question 5

A common contrast agent used for MRI examinations is

Accepted Answer

A)  ultrasonic microbubbles.
B)  barium sulfate.
C)  gadolinium-DTPA.
D)  triiodinated thorium.

Question 6

Nonionic iodine contrast agents differ from ionic agents in that nonionics

Accepted Answer

A)  do not break down into a cation and an anion.
B)  have a low pH.
C)  have a small chemical structure and high osmolality.
D)  are not triiodinated.

Question 7

Contrast media that are high in osmolality can be harmful to patients with compromised renal function.Patients who commonly have compromised kidney function include

Accepted Answer

A)  patients with diabetes.
B)  elderly patients.
C)  renal dialysis patients.
D)  all of the above.

Question 8

A responsible medical imaging professional will always maintain his or her focus on patients,particularly when any contrast agent is administered.A mandatory prerequisite to these studies is always

Accepted Answer

A)  laboratory tests to determine renal function.
B)  a completed registration form.
C)  a thorough medical history including allergies and diseases.
D)  prepayment of the cost of the contrast agent.

Question 9

All of the following are true of barium sulfate as a contrast agent EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  when mixed with water,it dissolves completely.
B)  its atomic number (Z) is 56.
C)  it is chemically inert.
D)  to prevent flocculation,barium sulfate is often mixed with water and sodium citrate.

Question 10

An undesirable characteristic of ionic contrast agents is their

Accepted Answer

A)  inertness.
B)  neutral osmolality.
C)  neutral pH.
D)  dissociation into a cation and an anion when dissolved in plasma.

Question 11

Most adverse reactions to ionic,iodinated contrast agents are caused by

Accepted Answer

A)  their pH.
B)  their hydrogen concentration.
C)  their osmolality.
D)  the presence of iodine.

Question 12

After the injection of an ionic iodinated contrast agent into a patient for a renal study,the patient complains of a warm feeling and is starting to itch.You notice the patient is developing urticaria.As you monitor the patient,you should

Accepted Answer

A)  casually watch the patient and note any more symptoms because these are not unusual.
B)  closely monitor the patient and look for worsening signs such as vomiting and bronchospasm.
C)  inform the radiologist or physician of the patient's anaphylaxis.
D)  do both b and c.

Question 13

The use of contrast material as a means for visualizing human anatomy has a long history.Regardless of the type of contrast media,the purpose for using contrast media is to

Accepted Answer

A)  increase patient radiation dose and improve image quality.
B)  enhance the low subject contrast of anatomic structures.
C)  increase metabolism of the kidneys and liver.
D)  improve the contrast between high contrast structures such as bone.

Question 14

Laboratory tests to assess a patient's BUN and creatinine are used to determine the patient's

Accepted Answer

A)  liver function.
B)  renal function.
C)  pancreas.
D)  thymus.

Question 15

The radioisotope used most often in nuclear studies is

Accepted Answer

A)  technetium (99mTc) .
B)  thorium.
C)  barium iodinate.
D)  iodine.

Question 16

Nonionic low-osmolality contrast agents have gained tremendous popularity with physicians as a safer choice for iodine contrast examinations.It is important to remember that nonionics

Accepted Answer

A)  are much less expensive than ionics.
B)  still pose a risk to renal function.
C)  are more difficult to inject owing to their higher viscosity.
D)  can be used on all patients,regardless of cost and risk.

Question 17

The ideal iodinated contrast agent would have what characteristic(s)?
1)High osmolality
2)Low osmolality
3)Nonionic chemical structure
4)Water solubility (hydrophilic)
5)Three or more iodine atoms per molecule

Accepted Answer

A)  1,4,and 5 only
B)  1,3,and 5 only
C)  2,3,4,and 5 only
D)  2 only

Question 18

Barium sulfate would be contraindicated for a patient with

Accepted Answer

A)  colonic polyps.
B)  a suspected duodenal bulb perforation.
C)  diverticulosis.
D)  all of the above.

Question 19

A double-contrast study of the colon is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)  a high-contrast examination.
B)  the use of both a negative and a positive contrast agent on the same image.
C)  a barium sulfate and air examination.
D)  all of the above.

Question 20

The osmotic effects of ionic contrast agents are a result of the movement of

Accepted Answer

A)  water from the body's cells into the bloodstream,causing increased blood volume and higher blood pressure.
B)  water from the blood plasma into cells,causing them to burst.
C)  iodine into cells,thereby increasing the cell membrane permeability.
D)  glucose molecules into cells,increasing metabolism.

Exam 23: Contrast Media and Introduction to Radiopharmaceuticals