Introduction to Radiology

Question 1

radiography includes

Answer 1

x-rays and plain films

Question 2

how does an x-ray work?

Answer 2

x-rays (photons) penetrate patient

transmitted x-rays are detected and used to create an image

Question 3

radioluscent

Answer 3

less dense

film black without absorption

Question 4

radiodense

Answer 4

more dense

film white without penetration

Question 5

the lower the atomic weight (more density) the more ___________ it is to x-rays

Answer 5

transparent

Question 6

attenuation

Answer 6

degree to which x-rays are absorbed/deflected by the body part

Question 7

bones which are ______ density than surrounding flesh, attenuate ____ radiation and cast a _______ shadow

Answer 7

higher; more; heavier

Question 8

the image quality of x-rays is dependent upon

Answer 8

thickness of body part; motion; scatter; magnification; distortion

Question 9

magnification

Answer 9

as object moves from film and closet to x-ray source, it’s shadow becomes larger

Question 10

distortion

Answer 10

occurs when the object is not perpendicular to the x-ray beam

Question 11

utility of x-rays

Answer 11

chest, skeleton, abdomen

Question 12

floroscopy

Answer 12

x-ray movie
continuous field of x-rays transmitted through pt. with detecter configured to video display
radiation risk is increased

Question 13

utility of floroscopy

Answer 13

contrast studies, various procedures

Question 14

computed tomography

Answer 14

rotating beam of x-rays transmitted through pt. to multiple detectors; pt. is advanced through a scanner; complex math converts data into image

Question 15

the radiation risk of a CT scan is _______ than an x-ray

Answer 15

greater

Question 16

utility of CT

Answer 16

faster than MRI; neurology, chest, abdomen and pelvis, extremities

Question 17

nuclear medicine

Answer 17

radioscope tagged to biologic molecule and together form radiotracer; radiotracer is internalized and radioactivity is detected outside of patient and created into image

Question 18

utility of nuclear medicine

Answer 18

measures function and physiology; PET; tech-99m bone scans; tagged WBC; tagged RBC; HIDA (liver) scan

Question 19

sonography

Answer 19

ultrasound
high frequency is transmitted into pt, reflected sound is analyzed by transducer, which creates image
can detect movement and direction–blood flow

Question 20

utility of sonography

Answer 20

pediatric, vascular imaging, gallbladder, female pelvis, kidneys

Question 21

magnetic resonance imaging

Answer 21

protons are controlled by strong magnets and altered by radiofrequency pulses; as protons “relax” radiofrequency signal (amplitude and phase) are measured and assigned intensity values and positioning to create imaging

Question 22

T1

Answer 22

fat is bright, water is dark

good anatomic detail

Question 23

T2

Answer 23

water is bright, fat is dark

less anatomic detail but food for measuring inflammation

Question 24

MRI utility

Answer 24

neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology, pediatric imaging

Question 25

physical therapist’s role in imaging

Answer 25

• recognize when MSK imaging is needed to complete a comprehensive examination
• integrate formation from the written report into the PT POC
• understand reading imaging to evaluate beyond the written report
• recognize when imaging is needed and not needed to promote an optimal patient outcome
• communicate effectively regarding MSK imaging with treating physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare providers

Question 26

use diagnositc imaging only when positive findings will…

Answer 26

alter the intervention or change the plan of care

Question 27

diagnositic images are considered _______ ____ and therefore need the context of the whole examination

Answer 27

special tests