Diagnostic Tests Quiz

Which medical imaging technique would best detect an intracranial bleed such as a stroke? 1) CT scan 2) fMRI 3) positron emission tomography 4) MRI

1) CT scan Computed tomography scans (CT scans) combine multiple x-rays with computer imaging to examine soft tissues of the body. A CT scan can accurately detect areas of bleeding based on absorption rates of x-rays.

Which of the following imaging techniques shows the greatest detail in soft tissue structures? 1) MRI 2) CT 3) fluoroscopy 4) x-ray

1) MRI Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to align hydrogen atoms in the body. MRI can be weighted in T1 images to show the greatest anatomical detail of soft tissues. The other options all utilize x-ray, which is preferable when imaging bony structures.

Which diagnostic test refers to a radiograph that visualizes injected radiopaque dye in an artery? 1) arteriography 2) arthrography 3) venography? 4) CT

1) arteriography Arteriography is the diagnostic test that refers to a radiograph that visualizes injected radiopaque dye in an artery. Arteriography can be used to identify arteriosclerosis, tumors or blockages.

All of the following are cross-sectional imaging techniques except: 1) conventional radiography 2) MRI 3) CT 4) positron emission tomography

1) conventional radiography Conventional radiography, which uses an X-ray machine, is used for recording the internal defects of an object on a radiographic film. X-rays do not create cross-sectional images.

Which diagnostic test records the electrical activity of the superficial layers of the brain? 1) electroencephalography 2) electromyography 3) CT 4) MRI

1) electroencephalography Electroencephalography (EEG) uses electrodes attached to the patient's head to record electrical activity of the outer layers of the cerebral cortex. The electrical activity is collected by examining the difference between the electrical potential of two electrodes placed at different locations on the scalp. Electroencephalography is used to assess seizure activity, metabolic disorders, and cerebellar lesions.

What is the primary disadvantage of using fluoroscopy as an imaging technique? 1) excessive radiation exposure 2) inability to determine density of bone structures 3) poor resolution of images 4) severity of tissue damage

1) excessive radiation exposure Fluoroscopy is designed to show motion in joints through x-ray imaging. The technique permits objects placed between a fluorescent screen and a roentgen tube to become visible. Fluoroscopy is not used commonly due to excessive radiation exposure.

Which diagnostic test is an invasive test that combines fluoroscopy and radiography to evaluate the spinal subarachnoid space? 1) myelography 2) electroencephalography 3) electromyography 4) CT

1) myelography Myelography combines fluoroscopy and radiography to evaluate the spinal subarachnoid space. The test utilizes a contrast medium that is injected into the epidural space by spinal puncture. Myelography is used to identify bone displacement, disk herniation, spinal cord compression or tumors.

During a cerebral angiography, radiopaque dyes are injected into which artery? 1) vertebral artery 2) pulmonary artery 3) middle cerebral artery 4) anterior cerebral artery

1) vertebral artery During a cerebral angiography, radiopaque dyes are injected into the carotid and/or vertebral arteries. The purpose of a cerebral angiography is to visualize cerebral vessels and localize lesions such as aneurysms, occlusions, angiomas, tumors or abscesses.

Which diagnostic test produces cross-sectional images based on x-ray attenuation and is commonly used to dx spinal lesions and in diagnostic studies of the brain? 1) fluoroscopy 2) CT 3) bone scan 4) MRI

2) CT Computed tomography produces cross-sectional images based on x-ray attenuation and is commonly used to diagnose spinal lesions and in diagnostic studies of the brain. A computerized analysis of the changes in absorption produces a detailed reconstructed image.

Which diagnostic test refers to an invasive test utilizing a contrast medium to provide visualization of joint structures through radiographs? 1) arteriography 2) arthrography 3) bone scan 4) CT

2) arthrography Arthrography is an invasive test utilizing a contrast medium to provide visualization of joint structures through radiographs. Soft tissue disruption can be identified by leakage from the joint cavity and capsule. The test is commonly used at peripheral joints such as the hip, knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist.

Which diagnostic procedure allows direct visual examination of the bladder, ureteral orifices, and urethra? 1) x-ray 2) cystoscopy 3) intravenous pyelogram 4) retrograde pyelogram

2) cystoscopy Cystoscopy allows direct visual examination of the bladder, ureteral orifices, and urethra. It is used to view, diagnose, and treat disorders of the lower urinary tract, interior bladder, urethra, male prostatic urethra, and ureteral orifices.

Which type of diagnostic imaging is designed to show motion in joints through x-ray imaging? 1) computed tomography 2) fluoroscopy 3) myelography 4) venography

2) fluoroscopy Fluoroscopy permits objects placed between a fluorescent screen and a roentgen tube to become visible. A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined. The beam is transmitted to a monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.

What are the black areas produced on a radiograph called? 1) radiodense 2) radiolucent 3) radiopaque 4) radio waves

2) radiolucent Dense objects such as bone and metal fragments display brighter because they block more of the beam, therefore reducing the films exposure. Objects that block X-rays are said to be radiopaque, whereas those that pass X-rays are radiolucent and produce black areas.

Which diagnostic test in non-invasive and relies on the transmission and reflection of high frequency sound waves to produce cross-sectional images in a variety of planes? 1) fluoroscopy 2) CT 3) Doppler ultrasonography 4) MRI

3) Doppler ultrasonography Doppler ultrasonography is safer, less expensive, and requires a shorter time period than more invasive tests such as arteriography and venography. It evaluates blood flow in the major veins, arteries, and cerebrovascular system.

Which imaging technique provides the best view of a disc protrusion, differentiating between the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus? 1) CT 2) plain film radiography 3) MRI 4) xeroradiography

3) MRI Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) differentiates soft tissues and bone. MRI uses the quantity of hydrogen in tissues to determine water content, which allows it to differentiate between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus.

Which diagnostic test is an invasive test which utilizes isotopes to identify stress fractures, infection, and tumors? 1) fluoroscopy 2) CT 3) bone scan 4) MRI

3) bone scan A bone scan is an invasive test which utilizes isotopes to identify stress fractures, infection, and tumors. Bone scans can identify bone disease or stress fractures with as little as 4-7% bone loss.

What technique used to quantify body fat is also used to analyze bone mineral content? 1) skinfold measurements 2) bioelectric impedance 3) dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) 4) hydrostatic weighing

3) dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) uses specialized computers to analyze penetration of tissues by two rays of differing energies. DEXA is used to quantify regional body fat, muscle, and bone mineral content. It is most often used to investigate suspected cases of osteoporosis.

Which test is the most effective in initially demonstrating a bone or joint abnormality? 1) MRI 2) CT scan 3) plain film radiographs 4) ultrasound

3) plain film radiographs Plain film radiographs (i.e., X-rays), are often the first ordered diagnostic study for musculoskeletal disorders. They can screen for a large number of pathologies including bone or joint abnormalities.

Which of the following medical imaging devices produces images from radioactive emissions? 1) MRI 2) fMRI 3) positron emission tomography 4) radiographs

3) positron emission tomography Positron emission tomography (PET) creates an image based on the amount of a radioactive dye that is absorbed by tissue. As a result, this type of imaging can be used to assess the function of structures and organs.

Which scenario is not considered to be a contraindication for MRI? 1) presence of a pacemaker 2) presence of pins 3) presence of artificial heart valves 4) presence of a tumor

4) presence of a tumor Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examines the distribution of hydrogen molecules in the body in three dimensions. MRIs are used to differentiate types of tissues. They can be used to examine the brain, tumors, vascular abnormalities, as well as cardiac, respiratory, and renal conditions. MRIs provide greater contrast of soft-tissue structures than CT scans.