Exam prep questions

Question 1

Describe the appearance of extradural haematoma

Answer 1

Biconvex area of high attenuation / fresh blood

Slight midline shift

Question 2

Describe the appearance of subdural haematoma

Answer 2

Crescent shaped area of high attenuation / fresh blood
Following contour of cranium
Rt sided, pushing midline to left

Question 3

Describe the appearance Bilateral chronic subdural haematoma

Answer 3

2 crescent shaped area of low attenuation / old blood
Following contour of cranium
Mass effect

Question 4

Describe the appearance of Large subarachnoid haemorrhage

Answer 4

High attenuation within subarachnoid space

Question 5

Describe the appearance of Left sided cerebellar haemorrhage

Answer 5

Rounded, very high attenuation area in left cerebellum

Question 6

Describe the appearance of Intracerebral haemorrhage

Answer 6

Large high attenuation area / fresh blood in left parietal lobe
Mass effect / midline shift
High attenuation filling the right lateral ventricle

Question 7

Which muscle is associated with this injury? (1 mark) Bennett`s fracture

Answer 7

Which muscle is associated with this injury? (1 mark)
Abductor Pollicis Longus (1 mark)

Question 8

List 2 steps you would take to set up a temporary controlled area in the Resus environment (2 x 1 mark)

Answer 8

ANY 2 FROM; Remove any unnecessary staff and relatives from the area. Use of lead for those who need to stay within the controlled area. Audible warning. Any other reasonable answer.

Question 9

What is the minimum distance around a mobile radiographic unit that is required when it is in use to maintain a temporary controlled area? (1/2 mark)

Answer 9

2metres away from the tube head

Question 10

The patient is confused and not wearing a hospital identity wristband. How would you identify the patient? (2 x 1/2 marks)

Answer 10

Ask the nurse caring for the patient to identify him (1/2 mark)
Ask member of staff who is familiar with the patient to put a wristband on him/her (1/2 mark)

Question 11

The patient is referred for CT. Give 3 benefits of CT of the pelvis in the trauma setting. (3 x 1 mark)

Answer 11

Fast, widely available, sensitive to bone or soft tissue injury requiring urgent surgical intervention, or any other reasonable answer.

Question 12

Name two appropriate reasons to perform a portable CXR on any ward should the patient be unable to come to the department

Answer 12

Patient too unwell, ventilated, High Flow o2, Patient to unstable, wall suction required etc.

Question 13

Name two things you would do/check before leaving the imaging department

Answer 13

Previous imaging, could the patient not be brought to the department, is the request justified.

Question 14

Name two important pieces of equipment you would take with you to the ward.

Answer 14

Mobile x-ray unit, detector/image receptor, grid, key, someone to help you.

Question 15

What must you include when imaging for this artifact and why? Nasogastric tube

Answer 15

Tip of the NG tube, this must be in the stomach (1 mark). It is important to insure correct positioning for absorption of feed/drugs/etc. (1 mark)

Question 16

When imaging for ET tube, state where the tip should be seen to ensure correct positioning.

Answer 16

5-7cm above the carina. (1 mark)

Question 17

State two ways in which you are practicing good infection control

Answer 17

Hand washing, gloves and apron, cleaning of equipment, wearing a mask if required (any 2 – 1 mark each)

Question 18

Name two advantages of an AP supine CXR

Answer 18

Can still obtain an image if they are unstable/acutely unwell, can check line placement. ( 2 x 1 marks)

Question 19

Name two disadvantages of an AP supine CXR

Answer 19

Heart and mediastinum magnification, air and fluid levels are not seen, patient will not be able to get a good inspiratory result, ribs appear more horizontal, clavicles projected high (ant two – 1 mark each).

Question 20

Name two considerations before you expose

Answer 20

Name two considerations before you expose
Where the central ray is pointing, collimation, exposure factors (any 2 – 1 mark each)

Question 21

The Dr insists that you perform the portable chest x-ray in an area of A+E where you know there is no appropriate radiation protection (e.g radiation protection have deemed it unsafe). What do you do?

Answer 21

The Dr insists that you perform the portable chest x-ray in an area of A+E where you know there is no appropriate radiation protection (e.g radiation protection have deemed it unsafe). What do you do?
Double check with supervisor if possible. Do not refuse to do the x-ray, offer alternative suggestions, like could the patient be brought to the department, could they be moved to an area which you know has appropriate radiation protection. (4 marks)

Question 22

One of the nurses informs you that she may be pregnant. What actions would you take?

Answer 22

One of the nurses informs you that she may be pregnant. What actions would you take?
If before the image is taken then ask her to leave the area, she may be required to ask a colleague to assist you instead.
If its after the exposure then then reassure her that she would have been over the required 2 meters away when the exposure took place, complete a DATIX once you have informed your manager. Don’t forget to get her contact details. (3 marks)