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RADIOLOGIC & DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES NURSING EXAM
PRACTICE EXAMINATION – 100 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES (2026 VERSION)
Exam Introduction
This examination evaluates the nurse’s knowledge and clinical judgment in
radiologic and diagnostic procedures, including:
• Preparation and nursing responsibilities for imaging studies
• Patient safety and radiation precautions
• Interpretation of common diagnostic test results
• Pre- and post-procedure care for radiologic, laboratory, and invasive
diagnostic tests
• Patient education regarding procedures
• Emergency management of procedure-related complications
This exam is designed for nursing students, clinical nurses, and exam preparation,
focusing on safe, evidence-based nursing care in diagnostic settings.
Exam Instructions
• Total Questions: 100
• Question Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
• Each question includes:
o Correct answer
o Detailed rationale
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Question 1
Which nursing action is essential before a patient undergoes a
CT scan with contrast?
A. Assess for iodine or shellfish allergy
B. Administer sedative immediately
C. Encourage high-protein diet
D. Restrict fluids for 24 hours
Correct Answer: A. Assess for iodine or shellfish allergy
Rationale:
Contrast media can cause anaphylactic reactions, especially in
patients with iodine or shellfish allergies. Pre-assessment is
critical to prevent complications.
Question 2
A patient is scheduled for a barium swallow study. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure
B. Drink plenty of fluids immediately before the study
C. Take a laxative the night after the study
D. Avoid wearing metal jewelry during the procedure
Correct Answer: A. Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the
procedure
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Rationale:
Fasting reduces the risk of aspiration and improves visualization
during the barium swallow.
Question 3
Which nursing action is priority after a barium enema?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake and monitor for
constipation
B. Restrict oral intake for 24 hours
C. Administer antacids
D. Monitor for hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: A. Encourage increased fluid intake and
monitor for constipation
Rationale:
Barium can cause constipation or impaction. Fluids and
laxatives help clear the contrast from the bowel.
Question 4
Which nursing intervention is required before a patient
undergoes MRI?
A. Remove all metal objects from clothing and body
B. Administer IV contrast routinely
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C. Encourage heavy meals
D. Take a baseline ECG
Correct Answer: A. Remove all metal objects from clothing and
body
Rationale:
MRI uses a strong magnetic field; metal objects pose a serious
risk of injury.
Question 5
Which patient is contraindicated for MRI?
A. Patient with a pacemaker
B. Patient with hypertension
C. Patient with diabetes
D. Patient with a history of anemia
Correct Answer: A. Patient with a pacemaker
Rationale:
MRI’s magnetic field can interfere with pacemakers or
implanted defibrillators, posing a life-threatening risk.
Question 6
Which nursing action is essential before a nuclear medicine
scan?
RADIOLOGIC & DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES NURSING EXAM
PRACTICE EXAMINATION – 100 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES (2026 VERSION)
Exam Introduction
This examination evaluates the nurse’s knowledge and clinical judgment in
radiologic and diagnostic procedures, including:
• Preparation and nursing responsibilities for imaging studies
• Patient safety and radiation precautions
• Interpretation of common diagnostic test results
• Pre- and post-procedure care for radiologic, laboratory, and invasive
diagnostic tests
• Patient education regarding procedures
• Emergency management of procedure-related complications
This exam is designed for nursing students, clinical nurses, and exam preparation,
focusing on safe, evidence-based nursing care in diagnostic settings.
Exam Instructions
• Total Questions: 100
• Question Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
• Each question includes:
o Correct answer
o Detailed rationale
,2
Question 1
Which nursing action is essential before a patient undergoes a
CT scan with contrast?
A. Assess for iodine or shellfish allergy
B. Administer sedative immediately
C. Encourage high-protein diet
D. Restrict fluids for 24 hours
Correct Answer: A. Assess for iodine or shellfish allergy
Rationale:
Contrast media can cause anaphylactic reactions, especially in
patients with iodine or shellfish allergies. Pre-assessment is
critical to prevent complications.
Question 2
A patient is scheduled for a barium swallow study. Which
instruction should the nurse provide?
A. Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure
B. Drink plenty of fluids immediately before the study
C. Take a laxative the night after the study
D. Avoid wearing metal jewelry during the procedure
Correct Answer: A. Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the
procedure
,3
Rationale:
Fasting reduces the risk of aspiration and improves visualization
during the barium swallow.
Question 3
Which nursing action is priority after a barium enema?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake and monitor for
constipation
B. Restrict oral intake for 24 hours
C. Administer antacids
D. Monitor for hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: A. Encourage increased fluid intake and
monitor for constipation
Rationale:
Barium can cause constipation or impaction. Fluids and
laxatives help clear the contrast from the bowel.
Question 4
Which nursing intervention is required before a patient
undergoes MRI?
A. Remove all metal objects from clothing and body
B. Administer IV contrast routinely
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C. Encourage heavy meals
D. Take a baseline ECG
Correct Answer: A. Remove all metal objects from clothing and
body
Rationale:
MRI uses a strong magnetic field; metal objects pose a serious
risk of injury.
Question 5
Which patient is contraindicated for MRI?
A. Patient with a pacemaker
B. Patient with hypertension
C. Patient with diabetes
D. Patient with a history of anemia
Correct Answer: A. Patient with a pacemaker
Rationale:
MRI’s magnetic field can interfere with pacemakers or
implanted defibrillators, posing a life-threatening risk.
Question 6
Which nursing action is essential before a nuclear medicine
scan?
