Radiology

Question 1

Radiology modalities that do NOT use radiation

Answer 1

1) ultrasound
2) MRI

Question 2

What does FAST stand for

Answer 2

Focused assessment with sonography in Trauma

Question 3

Radiology modalities that DO use radiation

Answer 3

1) X-ray (a small amount)
2)Fluoroscopy
3) CT scan
4)Mammography (low energy X-rays 30kVp) - lower than normal X-ray
5) PET scan

Question 4

What is fluoroscopy?

Answer 4

Uses X-ray to image the patient and view anatomy as it functions.

Question 5

Fluoroscopy uses

Answer 5

GI studies - barium swallow, barium meal, barium enema
Genito-urinary - vCUG
IV pyelogram - arthrograms - contrast in joint space
Hysterograms - inject dye in uterus and fallopian tubes

Question 6

CAT scan stands for… (same as CT)

Answer 6

Computed axial tomographic scan

Question 7

Imaging plains of CAT scan

Answer 7

Axial, coronal, saggital

Question 8

What contrast media is used in a CT scan and what must you screen for first?

Answer 8

Ultravist
Screen for iodine and penicillin allergy

Question 9

Contraindications of MRI NB!!!

Answer 9

Pacemakers, metal implants, metal chips/clips

Question 10

Advantages of interventional radiology

Answer 10

Less invasive
Quicker recovery
Less risk
Less pain

Question 11

Disadvantages of interventional radiology

Answer 11

Costly
Uses radiation

Question 12

Examples of interventional radiology

Answer 12

Angiography
Biliary drainage
Percutaneous nephrostomy and scenting
Embolization

Question 13

What does PET scan stand for

Answer 13

Positron emission tomography (nuclear med)

Question 14

Disadvantage of PET scan

Answer 14

High cost

Question 15

Define low dose radiation

Answer 15

<100mSv

Question 16

Effects of radiation NB

Answer 16

STOCHASTIC EFFECT = refers to the likelihood that an effect/cancer will occur in the long term, there is no threshold below which the effect does not occur.

DETERMINISTIC EFFECT = effect varies with the dose, there is a threshold below which the effect does not occur

Organogenesis = no radiological indication for termination of pregnancy if dose less than 50mGy(5rads)

Question 17

What does ALARA principle stand for?

Answer 17

As Low As Reasonably Achieveable dose

Ie the radiographer should use the lowest possible dose and still provide detailed exams

Question 18

What is the 10 day rule?

Answer 18

In women of child bearing age, non-urgent diagnostic radiography of the abdomen should be confined to the pre-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle
Ie 10days after first day of LMP

Question 19

How do you reduce radiation dose as the clinician?

Answer 19

Order appropriate investigation
Don’t unnecessarily repeat investigations
Always check previous imaging before ordering
Ensure benefit>risk

Question 20

Cost-effective radiology balances…

Answer 20

The most accurate, expensive procedure, with the less accurate, less expensive procedure

Question 21

How do you decide which radiologic investigation to do…

Answer 21

1) consider clinical question you want the radiology procedure to answer
2) include all the details in your request
3) only perform it if it will change your management (after hours)
4) benefit>risk (legal obligation)
5) discuss with radiologist

Question 22

What does SCIWORA stand for?

Answer 22

Spinal cord injury without obvious radiographic abnormality

Question 23

What is a plan abdominal radiograph used for in an acute abdomen?

Answer 23

Kidney stone detection
Pneumoperitoneum detection

Limited use

Question 24

Advantages of u/s over CT

Answer 24

> precise correlation of u/s findings with area of max tenderness
mobility and flexibility
safe and rapid way to determine nature of fluid
direct form of communication with lt

Question 25

Order of investigations when suspect pericardial effusion

Answer 25

CXR
FAST
CT