RAD 100 Exam Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering core radiologic concepts, ethical groups, terminology, imaging modalities, and clinical procedures.

bias

a prejudice or inclination in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in an unfair way

what groups make up the professional ethics of radiographers?

the ARRT code of ethics, state licensing boards and the state medical society

generic drug

a medication created to be the same as an already marketed brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, and performance

when is a backboard used?

in a pre-hospital setting, emergency trauma cases to immobilize patients with suspected spinal, hip, or pelvic injuries, and for moving patients

radiography

the art and science of producing medical images of the human body using x-rays

amount of radiation from sun exposure

typical sun exposure is controlled, low-dose, and brief, and non-measurable

total quantity of X-ray photons

the intensity or quantity of the x-ray beam, directly related to the photon count, which affects image density

STAT

immediately; the request should be prioritized above routine, non-urgent procedures

supportive functions of the health information department

maintaining, scanning, and managing patient medical records and imaging documentation

MRI

an imaging modality that uses no ionizing radiation and the energy of radio waves and magnetic fields to produce images, uses x-rays to create a medical image on patients

what does the ARRT do?

the american registry of radiologic technologists credentialing organization maintains high standards for patient care, promotes, and recognizes qualified individuals in imaging and radiation therapy

steps for suspected cardiac arrest

1. check for responsiveness 

2. call for help (activate emergency response)

3. check for breathing and pulse 

prodormal period

the early stage of a disease, characterized by the onset of vague, general symptoms (e.g., fever, headache) before specific symptoms appear

what is a diverse workforce?

a workforce composed of individuals from varied backgrounds (age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability, etc.) that brings a range of perspectives to healthcare

how to work with a translator and patient

use professional medical interpreters, look at the patient when speaking (not the interpreter), speak slowly in short sentences, and verify understanding (teach-back method)

common MRI contrast

gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) 

what is a double contrast study?

a radiography technique using both positive contrast (e.g., barium) and negative contrast (e.g., air or carbon dioxide) to coat tissues and fill spaces, providing high-detail mucosal images

drug that promotes bowel evacuation

laxative or Cathartic 

brand

the trademarked, proprietary name given to a drug by the company that patented and developed it 

popular venipuncture needle

a 21-gauge or 23-gauge needle (often a 'butterfly' set) is commonly used for contrast administration

what is state licensure - how and when is it used?

a mandatory, state-specific credential allowing a radiographer to legally operate X-ray equipment within that state 

attributes of barium sulfate

a radiopaque contrast agent used in gastrointestinal imaging; it is inert, non-water soluble, and provides high-density, high-contrast images 

critical analysis thinking

the process of analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to  make sound decisions, such as adapting protocols for trauma patients

medical staff in the healthcare world

communities within communities

correct procedures in regards to drug administration

adhering to the 'rights' of drug administration (right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation) 

noninvasive method for severe claustrophobia

open MRI machines, upright MRI, or open-bore scanners, often accompanied by sedation or benzodiazepines 

radiographer

an individual who specializes in using x-rays to create images of the body

cultural competency

the ability of healthcare providers to understand, respect, and work effectively with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds

shape distortion

the misrepresentation of the true shape of an anatomical part, often caused by improper tube-part-receptor alignment

sequence of actions for a medical emergency

identify the emergency, initiate alert (e.g., code blue), maintain airway, perform CPR, and use an AED 

when does CPR stop?

when a patient recovers, an advanced life support team takes over, the rescuer is too exhausted, or a 'Do Not Resuscitate' order is presented

common dosages for drugs

these vary by patient weight, age, and renal function, requiring precise calculation by the technologist 

what is critical thinking and how is it applied?

requires the professional radiographer to use broad intellectual skills and experiences when making the correct choice for any given situation

extravasation

the accidental leakage of intravenous contrast medium or medication into the surrounding tissue during injection 

fixing a suboptimal image

adjusting technical factors such as mA, time, kVp, or SID (Source-Image Distance) to correct for density, contrast, or distortion 

coding

the process of translating medical documentation (diagnoses and procedures) into standardized codes for billing and record-keeping 

who is a medical director and what is their role?

a physician (often a radiologist) responsible for the medical oversight, policy, and quality of care within a department