Image quality evaluation criteria and common pathology appearances on radiographs tested on radiologic technology certification exams.
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- Define radiographic contrast in image quality evaluation.
- The difference in brightness between adjacent areas on a radiograph, determining visibility of anatomic structures.
- What does spatial resolution or detail refer to in radiography?
- The ability to display small structures clearly and distinctly; depends on focal spot size and motion.
- Define magnification distortion in radiographic imaging.
- Enlargement of the image caused by increased distance between the object and image receptor.
- Define shape distortion in radiography.
- The misrepresentation of the true outline or contour of an anatomic structure on a radiograph.
- What is density in the context of radiographic image quality?
- The degree of blackness or darkness on a radiograph; represents the amount of light transmitted through the film.
- What causes motion blur or unsharpness on a radiograph?
- Movement of the patient or the x-ray tube during exposure.
- Define scatter radiation and its effect on image quality.
- Secondary radiation produced by x-ray interaction with matter; degrades contrast and adds noise to the image.
- How does collimation affect radiographic image quality?
- Proper collimation reduces scatter radiation and improves contrast resolution while reducing patient dose.
- What is a kyphosis and how does it appear radiographically?
- Exaggerated thoracic spinal curve appearing as increased anterior bowing or humpback when viewed laterally.
- Define lordosis as seen on spinal radiographs.
- Exaggerated inward (concave) curvature, most common in cervical and lumbar spine, appearing as forward bow.
- What is scoliosis and its radiographic appearance?
- Lateral (side-to-side) curvature of the spine visible as deviation from midline on frontal radiographs.
- What are the radiographic signs of osteoporosis?
- Decreased bone density, thinned cortices, prominent trabecular pattern, compressed vertebrae, and increased radiolucency.
- Describe the radiographic appearance of osteoarthritis.
- Joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation (bone spurs), sclerosis of subchondral bone, and cyst formation.
- What are characteristic radiographic findings in rheumatoid arthritis?
- Periarticular soft tissue swelling, joint space narrowing, marginal erosions, and symmetric distribution across multiple joints.
- Describe consolidation as it appears on a chest radiograph.
- Dense white (opaque) area in lung tissue indicating fluid, pus, or solid material; common in pneumonia.