American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Test with engaging quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your test readiness with multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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For effective visualization of the diaphragm on an X-ray, what position should the patient be in?

Supine
Upright
Lateral
Recumbent

The correct answer is: Upright

To achieve effective visualization of the diaphragm on an X-ray, positioning the patient upright is the best choice. When a patient is in an upright position, gravity allows for better aeration of the lungs and helps to differentiate between the air in the lungs and the fluid or solid structures in the abdomen. This position minimizes the diaphragmatic silhouette's obscuration by surrounding tissues, making it easier to assess the diaphragm's location, movement, and any abnormalities present, such as effusions or lesions. In the upright position, the diaphragm can also be seen in its natural state during respiration, which is important for evaluating its function and potential pathology. The upright position tends to provide a true representation of the pleural space and allows for optimal imaging of the thoracic cavity, which includes both the lungs and diaphragm.