BONTRAGER RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING FINAL EXAM 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS

BONTRAGER RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING
FINAL EXAM 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS | 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS

BONTRAGER RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING FINAL EXAM 2026 COMPLETE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | 100% VERIFIED SOLUTIONS



• This 200-question verified exam covers all major radiographic positioning
concepts drawn from Bontrager's principles, designed to sharpen your clinical
knowledge, test your positioning accuracy, and prepare you confidently for your
finals or board exams.

• Use this material by reading each question independently before checking the
highlighted correct answer and EXPERT RATIONALE below it — this active recall
method maximizes retention and exam readiness.




QUESTION 1

What is the standard source-to-image receptor distance (SID) used for most
general radiographic examinations?

A. 36 inches

B. 48 inches

C. 40 inches

D. 52 inches

E. 30 inches

Correct Answer: C. 40 inches

EXPERT RATIONALE: The standard SID for most general radiographic procedures is
40 inches (102 cm). This distance minimizes geometric distortion and magnification
while maintaining adequate beam intensity.

,QUESTION 2

Which positioning term describes a patient lying face down on the
radiographic table?

A. Supine

B. Lateral recumbent

C. Trendelenburg

D. Prone

E. Fowler's position

Correct Answer: D. Prone

EXPERT RATIONALE: Prone refers to the patient lying face down (ventral surface
down). Supine is face up. These are fundamental positioning terms used throughout
radiographic practice.



QUESTION 3

The PA chest radiograph is taken at which SID?

A. 40 inches

B. 48 inches

C. 72 inches

D. 60 inches

E. 36 inches

Correct Answer: C. 72 inches

EXPERT RATIONALE: The PA chest is performed at 72 inches (183 cm) SID to reduce
magnification of the heart, which is located anteriorly and farther from the IR during a
PA projection.

,QUESTION 4

Which of the following projections best demonstrates the scaphoid bone of
the wrist?

A. PA wrist

B. Lateral wrist

C. AP wrist with ulnar deviation

D. PA wrist with ulnar deviation

E. Oblique wrist

Correct Answer: D. PA wrist with ulnar deviation

EXPERT RATIONALE: Ulnar deviation of the wrist in the PA position opens up the
scaphoid, reducing superimposition by adjacent carpal bones. This is the standard
projection for suspected scaphoid fractures.



QUESTION 5

What is the central ray angulation for an AP axial projection of the clavicle?

A. 10–15° caudad

B. 5° cephalad

C. 15–30° cephalad

D. 20° caudad

E. No angulation

Correct Answer: C. 15–30° cephalad

EXPERT RATIONALE: A 15–30° cephalad angulation is used for the AP axial clavicle
projection to project the clavicle above the rib cage and lung apex, reducing
superimposition.

, QUESTION 6

Which landmark is used to locate the level of the iliac crest?

A. T10

B. L5

C. S1

D. L4

E. L2

Correct Answer: D. L4

EXPERT RATIONALE: The iliac crest corresponds to the level of L4. This is a key
surface landmark used for centering in lumbar spine, abdominal, and pelvis
radiography.



QUESTION 7

For a lateral projection of the lumbar spine, how much should the spine be
parallel to the IR?

A. The spine naturally curves away from the IR

B. The spine should be parallel to the IR

C. A 5° angle is acceptable

D. A 10° caudad CR is always used

E. No adjustment is needed

Correct Answer: B. The spine should be parallel to the IR

EXPERT RATIONALE: For an optimal lateral lumbar spine, the vertebral column
should be parallel to the IR to prevent distortion and allow clear visualization of
intervertebral disk spaces.