Mobile Radiography Challenge: Wards, ICUs, and Trauma Imaging

Question 1

When performing a portable AP chest radiograph in a semi-erect ICU patient, which adjustment most helps reduce cardiac magnification compared with a supine study?

Accepted Answer

Keeping the patient as erect as possible for the exposure

Answer

Using a shorter source-to-image distance

Answer

Positioning the detector anteriorly and centering low

Answer

Increasing patient rotation toward the tube

Question 2

For a mobile chest examination, what is the main imaging reason to use a longer source-to-image distance when practical?

Accepted Answer

It decreases geometric magnification of thoracic structures

Answer

It increases scatter reaching the detector

Answer

It eliminates the need to collimate tightly

Answer

It guarantees lower patient dose in every case

Question 3

In bedside radiography, which situation most strongly increases the risk of a rotated chest image that can mimic mediastinal shift?

Accepted Answer

Unequal distances between the medial clavicles and the spine

Answer

Using a grid with too high a ratio

Answer

Centering to the xiphoid instead of T7

Answer

Selecting a higher kVp than usual

Question 4

Which mobile radiography practice best reduces cross-contamination risk between isolation rooms and other patients?

Accepted Answer

Using a clean barrier on the detector and disinfecting equipment after the exam

Answer

Leaving the detector uncovered and wiping it at the end of the shift

Answer

Placing the exposure switch on the patient's bed rail

Answer

Avoiding collimation so repeat exposures are less likely

Question 5

During a portable abdominal radiograph on a large patient, a grid is introduced. What is the most likely technical consequence if exposure factors are not adjusted?

Accepted Answer

Reduced image receptor exposure leading to a noisy image

Answer

Improved contrast with no change in receptor exposure

Answer

Marked increase in motion blur from the detector only

Answer

Automatic correction of off-level tube angulation

Question 6

For a mobile AP chest image intended to assess free pleural fluid levels, which patient position is generally most informative if the patient can tolerate it?

Accepted Answer

Semi-erect or erect position

Answer

Trendelenburg position

Answer

Prone position

Answer

Supine position with knees flexed

Question 7

What is the primary reason mobile chest radiographs in critical care often use higher kVp techniques?

Accepted Answer

To better penetrate the thorax and support shorter exposure times

Answer

To increase patient motion intentionally

Answer

To make bone detail dominate the image

Answer

To avoid the need for a detector marker

Question 8

When imaging a patient with multiple lines and tubes at the bedside, what centering approach best supports evaluation of endotracheal tube placement on a portable chest radiograph?

Accepted Answer

Center high enough to include the lung apices and the carina region

Answer

Center at the lower ribs to emphasize the costophrenic angles only

Answer

Center to the upper abdomen to include the kidneys

Answer

Center laterally to avoid the mediastinum

Question 9

Which statement about radiation protection for others during mobile radiography is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing distance from the patient and source reduces scatter exposure

Answer

Anyone in the room receives the same dose as the patient

Answer

Standing behind the mobile unit offers no reduction in scatter exposure

Answer

Collimation has little effect on scattered radiation levels

Question 10

A portable chest image shows the scapulae projected over much of the lung fields. Which positioning issue is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The patient failed to roll the shoulders forward

Answer

The chin was raised too high

Answer

The detector was placed too low

Answer

The exposure was made at end expiration

Mobile Radiography Challenge: Wards, ICUs, and Trauma Imaging

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