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