HESI RADIOLOGY EXIT EXAM PREP – VERSION 3
LATEST 2026 UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL
EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. What is the primary purpose of a radiographic contrast agent?
A. To decrease radiation dose
B. To improve image differentiation of structures
C. To eliminate patient movement
D. To replace radiation exposure
Answer: B
Rationale: Contrast agents enhance visibility between structures of similar density,
improving diagnostic accuracy.
2. Which imaging modality uses ionizing radiation?
A. MRI
B. Ultrasound
C. CT scan
D. Echocardiography
Answer: C
Rationale: CT uses X-rays, which are a form of ionizing radiation.
3. The nurse’s priority before administering iodinated contrast is to assess:
,A. Blood glucose
B. Allergy history
C. Temperature
D. Reflexes
Answer: B
Rationale: Iodinated contrast can trigger severe allergic reactions.
4. What is the most common adverse reaction to contrast media?
A. Cardiac arrest
B. Mild nausea or warmth sensation
C. Stroke
D. Seizures
Answer: B
Rationale: Mild flushing, warmth, or nausea are common and usually self-limiting.
5. Which patient should NOT receive MRI?
A. Patient with asthma
B. Patient with pacemaker
C. Patient with diabetes
D. Patient with hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: MRI’s magnetic field can interfere with implanted electronic devices.
6. What is the role of a lead apron during X-ray exposure?
A. Increase image quality
B. Reduce scatter radiation exposure
,C. Replace shielding room walls
D. Enhance contrast
Answer: B
Rationale: Lead aprons protect against scatter radiation exposure.
7. What is the correct patient preparation for abdominal X-ray?
A. High-fat meal before procedure
B. NPO status if required
C. Increase fluid intake immediately
D. Avoid all medications
Answer: B
Rationale: NPO reduces bowel gas and improves image clarity.
8. Which imaging technique provides real-time imaging?
A. CT
B. MRI
C. Fluoroscopy
D. X-ray
Answer: C
Rationale: Fluoroscopy provides continuous live imaging.
9. What is the main risk of repeated CT scans?
A. Infection
B. Radiation exposure
C. Allergies
D. Dehydration
, Answer: B
Rationale: CT involves cumulative ionizing radiation exposure.
10. Which organ is most sensitive to radiation?
A. Bone
B. Muscle
C. Thyroid
D. Skin
Answer: C
Rationale: The thyroid is highly radiosensitive.
11. What should be done after barium swallow study?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Encourage increased fluid intake
C. Bed rest for 24 hours
D. Administer insulin
Answer: B
Rationale: Fluids help eliminate barium and prevent constipation.
12. Which imaging is best for soft tissue evaluation of brain?
A. X-ray
B. CT
C. MRI
D. PET scan
Answer: C
Rationale: MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast.
LATEST 2026 UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL
EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. What is the primary purpose of a radiographic contrast agent?
A. To decrease radiation dose
B. To improve image differentiation of structures
C. To eliminate patient movement
D. To replace radiation exposure
Answer: B
Rationale: Contrast agents enhance visibility between structures of similar density,
improving diagnostic accuracy.
2. Which imaging modality uses ionizing radiation?
A. MRI
B. Ultrasound
C. CT scan
D. Echocardiography
Answer: C
Rationale: CT uses X-rays, which are a form of ionizing radiation.
3. The nurse’s priority before administering iodinated contrast is to assess:
,A. Blood glucose
B. Allergy history
C. Temperature
D. Reflexes
Answer: B
Rationale: Iodinated contrast can trigger severe allergic reactions.
4. What is the most common adverse reaction to contrast media?
A. Cardiac arrest
B. Mild nausea or warmth sensation
C. Stroke
D. Seizures
Answer: B
Rationale: Mild flushing, warmth, or nausea are common and usually self-limiting.
5. Which patient should NOT receive MRI?
A. Patient with asthma
B. Patient with pacemaker
C. Patient with diabetes
D. Patient with hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: MRI’s magnetic field can interfere with implanted electronic devices.
6. What is the role of a lead apron during X-ray exposure?
A. Increase image quality
B. Reduce scatter radiation exposure
,C. Replace shielding room walls
D. Enhance contrast
Answer: B
Rationale: Lead aprons protect against scatter radiation exposure.
7. What is the correct patient preparation for abdominal X-ray?
A. High-fat meal before procedure
B. NPO status if required
C. Increase fluid intake immediately
D. Avoid all medications
Answer: B
Rationale: NPO reduces bowel gas and improves image clarity.
8. Which imaging technique provides real-time imaging?
A. CT
B. MRI
C. Fluoroscopy
D. X-ray
Answer: C
Rationale: Fluoroscopy provides continuous live imaging.
9. What is the main risk of repeated CT scans?
A. Infection
B. Radiation exposure
C. Allergies
D. Dehydration
, Answer: B
Rationale: CT involves cumulative ionizing radiation exposure.
10. Which organ is most sensitive to radiation?
A. Bone
B. Muscle
C. Thyroid
D. Skin
Answer: C
Rationale: The thyroid is highly radiosensitive.
11. What should be done after barium swallow study?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Encourage increased fluid intake
C. Bed rest for 24 hours
D. Administer insulin
Answer: B
Rationale: Fluids help eliminate barium and prevent constipation.
12. Which imaging is best for soft tissue evaluation of brain?
A. X-ray
B. CT
C. MRI
D. PET scan
Answer: C
Rationale: MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast.
