HESI RADIOGRAPHY AND RADIATION
SAFETY EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GUARANTEE A+
Question 1
Which bone contains a mastoid process?
A. Occipital
B. Sphenoid
C. Parietal
D. Temporal
Correct Answer
D. Temporal
The mastoid process is on the temporal bone, located posterior to the external
auditory meatus.
Question 2
The radiographer uses the Holmblad method to perform a tunnel view of the knee.
What is the primary advantage of utilizing this method instead of the Camp Coventry
method?
A. The Holmblad method shows no distortion longitudinally or laterally.
B. The Holmblad method is easier for the radiographer to properly position
C. The Holmblad method is quick to position
D. The Holmblad method is easier for the patient than the Camp Coventry method.
Correct Answer
A. The Holmblad method shows no distortion longitudinally or laterally.
Done properly, the Holmblad shows no distortion of the intercondylar fossa, either
longitudinally or laterally. The Holmblad method is not quick. Instead, it is a difficult
and demanding position for radiographer and patient to perform.
Page 1 of 235
,Question 3
Which may be effects of fetal irradiation? (Select the four apply.)
A. Prenatal death
B. Spontaneous abortion
C. Growth retardation
D. Childhood and early adult cancers
E. Cancers late in adult life
Correct Answer
A. Prenatal death
B. Spontaneous abortion
C. Growth retardation
D. Childhood and early adult cancers
Question 4
Which term describes the process by which most x-ray-induced cellular damage
occurs?
A. Direct effect
B. Oxygen enhancement
C. Target theory
D. Indirect effect
Correct Answer
D. Indirect effect
Since humans are about 80% water and indirect effect involves ionization of water,
it is widely believed that the indirect effect is responsible for most biologic effects of
radiation exposure.
Page 2 of 235
,Question 5
What characteristics do high linear energy transfer (LET) radiations have when
compared with low-LET radiation?
A. Decreased mass, increased penetration
B. Electrically charged, less ionizing.
C. Increased mass, decreased penetration.
D. No electrical charge, more ionizing.
Correct Answer
C. Increased mass, decreased penetration.
High-LET radiations have increased mass and decreased penetration. Because of
their electrical charge and substantial mass, they cause more ionizations in a dense
amount of tissue, quickly losing energy. This causes them to be less penetrating
than low-LET radiations such as x-rays and gamma rays.
Question 6
Which projection best demonstrates the aortic impression on the esophagus in an
esophagram?
A. Left lateral
B. RAO
C. LAO
D. PA
Correct Answer
B. RAO
The best view of the aortic impression on the esophagus is obtained in the RAO
projection. This impression is hidden from view in the LAO, PA, and left lateral.
Page 3 of 235
, Question 7
A patient reports symptoms including itching, rash formation, and difficulty breathing
immediately following the administration of intravenous (IV) contrast media.
Assuming the patient has had no prior exposure to radiopaque contrast media, what
is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A. Acute bronchospasm
B. Allergic reaction
C. Anaphylactoid reaction
D. Acute renal failure
Correct Answer
C. Anaphylactoid reaction
The symptoms described in this scenario are the result of an anaphylactoid reaction,
a type of reaction that clinically mimics anaphylaxis but requires no previous
exposure to contrast media.
Question 8
Which accurately describes the radiation dose absorbed by bone marrow?
A. The dose can be accurately measured by using an optically stimulated luminescent
(OSL) dosimeter.
B. The dose can be accurately measured by a direct method.
C. The dose will be less than the entrance skin exposure.
D. The dose will be greater than the entrance skin exposure.
Correct Answer
C. The dose will be less than the entrance skin exposure.
The radiation dose absorbed by an organ such as bone marrow will be less than the
entrance skin exposure. The dose will be less than the entrance skin exposure, not
greater.
Page 4 of 235
SAFETY EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GUARANTEE A+
Question 1
Which bone contains a mastoid process?
A. Occipital
B. Sphenoid
C. Parietal
D. Temporal
Correct Answer
D. Temporal
The mastoid process is on the temporal bone, located posterior to the external
auditory meatus.
Question 2
The radiographer uses the Holmblad method to perform a tunnel view of the knee.
What is the primary advantage of utilizing this method instead of the Camp Coventry
method?
A. The Holmblad method shows no distortion longitudinally or laterally.
B. The Holmblad method is easier for the radiographer to properly position
C. The Holmblad method is quick to position
D. The Holmblad method is easier for the patient than the Camp Coventry method.
Correct Answer
A. The Holmblad method shows no distortion longitudinally or laterally.
Done properly, the Holmblad shows no distortion of the intercondylar fossa, either
longitudinally or laterally. The Holmblad method is not quick. Instead, it is a difficult
and demanding position for radiographer and patient to perform.
Page 1 of 235
,Question 3
Which may be effects of fetal irradiation? (Select the four apply.)
A. Prenatal death
B. Spontaneous abortion
C. Growth retardation
D. Childhood and early adult cancers
E. Cancers late in adult life
Correct Answer
A. Prenatal death
B. Spontaneous abortion
C. Growth retardation
D. Childhood and early adult cancers
Question 4
Which term describes the process by which most x-ray-induced cellular damage
occurs?
A. Direct effect
B. Oxygen enhancement
C. Target theory
D. Indirect effect
Correct Answer
D. Indirect effect
Since humans are about 80% water and indirect effect involves ionization of water,
it is widely believed that the indirect effect is responsible for most biologic effects of
radiation exposure.
Page 2 of 235
,Question 5
What characteristics do high linear energy transfer (LET) radiations have when
compared with low-LET radiation?
A. Decreased mass, increased penetration
B. Electrically charged, less ionizing.
C. Increased mass, decreased penetration.
D. No electrical charge, more ionizing.
Correct Answer
C. Increased mass, decreased penetration.
High-LET radiations have increased mass and decreased penetration. Because of
their electrical charge and substantial mass, they cause more ionizations in a dense
amount of tissue, quickly losing energy. This causes them to be less penetrating
than low-LET radiations such as x-rays and gamma rays.
Question 6
Which projection best demonstrates the aortic impression on the esophagus in an
esophagram?
A. Left lateral
B. RAO
C. LAO
D. PA
Correct Answer
B. RAO
The best view of the aortic impression on the esophagus is obtained in the RAO
projection. This impression is hidden from view in the LAO, PA, and left lateral.
Page 3 of 235
, Question 7
A patient reports symptoms including itching, rash formation, and difficulty breathing
immediately following the administration of intravenous (IV) contrast media.
Assuming the patient has had no prior exposure to radiopaque contrast media, what
is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A. Acute bronchospasm
B. Allergic reaction
C. Anaphylactoid reaction
D. Acute renal failure
Correct Answer
C. Anaphylactoid reaction
The symptoms described in this scenario are the result of an anaphylactoid reaction,
a type of reaction that clinically mimics anaphylaxis but requires no previous
exposure to contrast media.
Question 8
Which accurately describes the radiation dose absorbed by bone marrow?
A. The dose can be accurately measured by using an optically stimulated luminescent
(OSL) dosimeter.
B. The dose can be accurately measured by a direct method.
C. The dose will be less than the entrance skin exposure.
D. The dose will be greater than the entrance skin exposure.
Correct Answer
C. The dose will be less than the entrance skin exposure.
The radiation dose absorbed by an organ such as bone marrow will be less than the
entrance skin exposure. The dose will be less than the entrance skin exposure, not
greater.
Page 4 of 235
