Image Production: Equipment Operation and Quality Assurance

Compared with the image on the input phosphor, the image on the image on the output phosphor of the image intensifier is (select three)

A. magnified

B. distorted

C. brighter

D. dimer

E. inverted

F. minified

C. brighter

E. inverted

F. minified

Which of the following is/are components of the primary or low-voltage side of the x-ray circuit?

1. mA meter

2. autotransformer

3. kV meter

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3

Which of the following is/are true statements regarding viewing conditions for digital images?

1. excessive light causes dilation of the pupils of the eyes

2. low-light level is desirable

3. too much light causes images to appear dark

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3

As FOV decreases in image intensification (select 3)

A. output screen image is magnified

B. output screen image has more noise

C. mA increases

D. output screen image has improved resolution

E. the focal point is closer to the output phosphor

F. voltage to the focusing lenses is decreased

A. output screen image is magnified

C. mA increases

D. output screen image has improved resolution

Design characteristics of x-ray tube targets that determine heat capacity include the

1 rotation of the anode

2 diameter of the anode

3 size of the focal spot

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

If exposure factors of 85 kV, 400 mA, and 12 ms yield an output exposure of 1.3 mGy, what is the milligray per milliampere-seconds (mGy / mAs)?

A. 36.9

B. 17.2

C. 3.69

D. 0.27

D. 0.27

The digital imaging processing function known as equalization (select 3)

A. is a preprocessing function

B. is a computer software operation

C. removes high-frequency noise

D. removes densities that veil image details

E. compresses the contrast scale

B. is a computer software operation

D. removes densities that veil image details

E. compresses the contrast scale

Which of the following waveforms shown in figure 5-1 is illustrative of three-phase 12-pulse current?

A. diagram D

b. diagram E

c. Diagram F

d. diagram G

b. diagram E

Advantages of flat-panel fluoroscopy over image-intensified fluoroscopy include which of the following? (select 4)

A. greater maneuverability

B. improved contrast resolution

C. reduced DQE

D. eliminates need for ADC

E. considerably smaller size and weight

F. images require smaller data files

A. greater maneuverability

B. improved contrast resolution

D. eliminates need for ADC

E. considerably smaller size and weight

Which of the following terms is used to describe unsharp edges of tiny radiographic details?

A. diffusion

B. mottle

C. blur

D. umbra

C. blur

How often are radiographic equipment collimators required to be evaluated?

A. annually

B. biannually

C. semiannually

D. quarterly

C. semiannually

Which of the following will improve the spatial resolution of image-intensified images?

1. a very thin input phosphor layer

2. a larger diameter input screen

3. increased total brightness gain

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

A. 1 only

X-ray tube characteristics/qualities include which of the following?

1. the target material should have a high atomic number and a high melting point

2. the useful beam emerges from the port window

3. the cathode assembly receives both low and high voltages

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 2

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

A parallel-plate ionization chamber receives a particular charge as x-ray photons travel through it. This is the operating principle of which of the following devices?

A. AEC

B. image intensifier

C. video recorder

D. photospot camera

A. AEC

The total number of x-ray photons produced at the target is contingent on the

1 tube current

2 target material

3 square of the kilovoltage

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following combinations would pose the greatest heat hazard to a particular single-phase anode?

A. 1.2 mm focal spot, 92 kV, 1.5 mAs

B. 0.6 mm focal spot, 80 kV, 3 mAs

C. 1.2 mm focal spot, 70 kV, 6 mAs

D. 0.6 mm focal spot, 60 kV, 12 mAs

D. 0.6 mm focal spot, 60 kV, 12 mAs

Of what material is number 1 on figure 5-2 made?

A. nickel

B. molybdenum

C. tungsten

D. copper

C. tungsten

Which of the following systems functions to compensate for changes in patient/part thickness, FOV, and OID during flat-panel detector (FPD) fluoroscopic procedures?

A. Automatic exposure rate control

B. electronic magnification

C. automatic resolution control

D. flux gain

A. Automatic exposure rate control

Delivery of large exposures to a cold anode or the use of exposures exceeding tube limitation can result in

1. increased tube output.

2. cracking of the anode.

3. rotor bearing damage.

(A) 1 only

(B) 1 and 2 only

(C) 2 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

(C) 2 and 3 only

Deposition of vaporized tungsten on the inner surface of the x-ray tube glass window

1. acts as additional filtration

2. results in increased tube output

3. results in anode pitting

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

A. 1 only

What is the relationship between kilovoltage and HVL?

A. as kVp increases, the HVL increases

B. as kVp, decreases, the HVL increases

C. if the kVp is doubled, the HVL doubles

D. if the kVp is doubled, the HVL is squared

A. as kVp increases, the HVL increases

As window width decreases

A. contrast scale increases

B. contrast scale decreases

C. brightness increases

D. brightness decreases

B. contrast scale decreases

Circuit devices that permit electrons to flow in only one direction are

A. solid-state diode rectifiers

B. resistors

C. transformers

D. autotransformers

A. solid-state diode rectifiers

Scintillation is associated with all the following, except

A. amorphous silicon

B. amorphous selenium

C. cesium iodide

D. gadolinium oxysulfide

B. amorphous selenium

The AEC backup timer functions to

1. protect the patient from overexposure

2. protect the x-ray tube from excessive heat

3. increase or decrease programmed receptor exposure

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2

Which of the following devices converts mechanical energy into electrical energy?

A. motor

B. generator

C. stator

D. rotor

B. generator

The filtering effect of the x-ray tube's glass envelope and its oil coolant are collectively called

A. inherent filtration

B. added filtration

C. compensating filtration

D. port filtration

A. inherent filtration

A slit camera is used to measure

1. focal spot size

2. spatial resolution

3. dynamic range

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2

All of the following statements regarding mobile radiographic equipment are true, except

A. exposure switches must be the "dead-man" type

B. the radiographer must alert individuals in the area before making the exposure

C. the exposure cord must permit the operator to stand at least 4 feet from the patient, x-ray tube, and useful beam

D. a lead apron should be carried with the unit and worn by the radiographer during exposure

C. the exposure cord must permit the operator to stand at least 4 feet from the patient, x-ray tube, and useful beam

Which of the following causes pitting, or many small surfaces melt, of the anode's focal track?

A. vaporized tungsten on the glass envelope

B. loss of anode rotation

C. a large amount of heat to a cold anode

D. repeated, frequent overloading

D. repeated, frequent overloading

The advantage(s) of collimators over aperture diaphragms and flare cones include(s)

1. the variety of field sizes available.

2. more efficient beam restriction.

3. better cleanup of scattered radiation.

(A) 1 only

(B) 1 and 2 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 2 and 3 only

(B) 1 and 2 only

Which of the following evaluates focal spot accuracy as a function of geometric blur?

A. pinhole camera

B. slit camera

C. star pattern

D. focus pattern

C. star pattern

Which of the following are the characteristics of the metallic element tungsten?

1. ready dissipation of heat

2. high-melting point

3. high atomic number

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

What grid ratio is represented in the illustration shown in figure 5-3?

A. 5:1

B. 8:1

C. 12:1

D. 16:1

D. 16:1

The voltage ripple associated with a three-phase, 6-pulse rectified generator is about

A. 4%

B. 13%

C. 32%

D. 100%

B. 13%

Which of the following modes of a triple-field image intensifier will result in the highest patient dose?

A. its 25-inch mode

B. its 17-inch mode

C. its 12-inch mode

D. diameter does not affect patient dose

C. its 12-inch mode

A high-speed electron is decelerated as it is attracted to a tungsten atom nucleus. This results in

A. bramsstrahlung radiation

B. characteristic radiation

C. compton scatter

D. a photoelectric effect

A. bramsstrahlung radiation

All of the following are components of the image intensifier, except

A. the photocathode

B. the focusing lenses

C. the TV monitor

D. the accelerating anode

C. the TV monitor

Which of the following are components of digital imaging?

1. computer manipulation of the image

2. formation of an electronic image on the radiation detector

3. formation of an x-ray image directly on the IR

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2

Which of the following is used in digital fluoroscopy (DF), replacing the image intensifier's television camera tube?

A. solid state diode

B. charged couple device

C. photostimulable phosphor

D. vidicon

B. charged couple device

With what frequency must radiographic equipment be checked for linearity and reproducibility>

A. annually

B. biannually

C. semiannually

D. quarterly

A. annually

The regular measurement and evaluation of radiographic equipment components and their performance is most accurately termed as

A. postprocessing

B. quality assurance

C. quality control

D. quality congruence

C. quality control

Which of the following are typical examples of digital imaging?

1. MRI

2. CT

3. CR

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

In fluoroscopy, the automatic brightness control is used to adjust the

(A) kVp and mA.

(B) backup timer.

(C) mA and time.

(D) kVp and time.

(A) kVp and mA.

Which of the following terms describe the amount of electric charge flowing per second?

A. voltage

B. current

C. resistance

D. capacitance

B. current

How often are radiographic equipment kilovoltage settings required to be evaluated?

A. annually

B. biannually

C. semiannually

D. quarterly

A. annually

What is the device that directs the light emitted from the image intensifier to various viewing and imaging apparatus?

A. output phosphor

B. beam splitter

C. spot image device

D. automatic brightness control

B. beam splitter

The image-intensifier tube's input phosphor functions to convert

A. kinetic energy to light

B. x-rays to light

C. electrons to light

D. fluorescent light to electrons

B. x-rays to light

Which of the following contribute to inherent filtration?

1. x-ray tube glass envelope

2. x-ray tube port window

3. aluminum between the tube housing and the collimator

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2

Digital imaging subject contrast is the result of

A. x-ray beam quantity and quality

B. varying intensities of the primary beam

C. signal differences within the remnant beam

D. grid ratio and alignment

C. signal differences within the remnant beam

Which x-ray tube component does the number 7 in figure 5-4 indicate?

A. anode stem

B. rotor

C. stator

D. focal track

B. rotor

Select the three correct statements regarding the structures identified as numbers 6 and 7 in figure 5-4?

A. they operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction

B. number 6 is the stator

C. they function to produce thermionic emission

D. they function to rotate the anode

E. they operate on the principle of self-induction

F. number 6 is the rotor

A. they operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction

B. number 6 is the stator

D. they function to rotate the anode

The total brightness gain of an image intensifier is the product of

1. flux gain

2. minification gain

3. focusing gain

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 2

D. 1 and 3

C. 1 and 2

The advantages of CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductors) over CCDs (charge coupled devices) include which of the following?

1. less expensive

2. much greater speed

3. better image quality

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2

Which of the following occurs during bremsstrahlung radiation production?

A. an electron makes a transition from an outer to an inner electron shell

B. an electron approaching a positive nuclear charge changes direction and loses energy

C. a high-energy photon ejects an outer-shell electron

D. a low-energy photon ejects an inner-shell electron

B. an electron approaching a positive nuclear charge changes direction and loses energy

Which of the following are the functions of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS)?

1. processing of digital images

2. reception of digital images

3. storage of digital images

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3

How many half-value layers will it take to reduce an x-ray beam whose intensity is 88 R/min to an intensity of less than 12 R/min?

(A) 2

(B) 3

(C) 4

(D) 8

(B) 3

Which of the following functions to increase the milliamperage?

A. increase in charge of anode

B. increase in heat of the filament

C. increase in kilovoltage

D. increase in focal spot size

B. increase in heat of the filament

As a general rule, a grid is usually used when

1. less patient dose is required

2. using high kV

3. radiographing a large or dense body part

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3

Which of the following combinations will offer the greatest detail sharpness?

A. 17 target angle, 1.2 mm actual focal spot

B. 10 target angle, 1.2 mm actual focal spot

C. 17 target angle, 0.6 mm actual focal spot

D. 10 target angle, 0.6 mm actual focal spot

D. 10 target angle, 0.6 mm actual focal spot

Which number in the figure 5-5 represents magnification mode?

A. number 1

B. number 2

C. number 7

D. number 8

D. number 8

Which number in the figure 5-5 represents electrostatic focusing lens?

A. number 5

B. number 6

C. number 4

D. number 2

C. number 4

Advantages of CCDs over the use of television cameras in image intensification include which of the following?

1. compact size

2. improved resolution

3. higher DQE

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following information is necessary to determine the maximum safe kilovoltage using the appropriate x-ray tube rating chart?

1. milliamperage and exposure time

2. focal spot size

3. imaging system speed

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2

Spatial resolution in computed radiography increases as

1. monitor matrix size decreases

2. PSP crystal size decreases

3. laser beam size decreases

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3

The voltage across the x-ray tube in three-phase equipment

1. drops to zero every 180 degrees

2. is 87%-96% of the maximum value

3. is at nearly constant potential

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 2

D. 2 and 3

D. 2 and 3

Which of the following would be appropriate IP front materials?

1. tungsten

2. magnesium

3. bakelite

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3

If the distance from the focal spot to the center of the collimator's mirror is 6 in, what distance should the illuminator's light bulb be from the center of the mirror?

(A) 3 in

(B) 6 in

(C) 9 in

(D) 12 in

(B) 6 in

The image intensifier's input phosphor generally is composed of

A. cesium iodide

B. zinc cadmium sulfide

C. gadolinium oxysulfide

D. calcium tungstate

A. cesium iodide

The essential function of an AEC is to

A. provide a brighter fluoroscopic image

B. automatically restrict the field size

C. terminate the x-ray exposure once the IR is correctly exposed

D. automatically increase or decrease incoming line voltages

C. terminate the x-ray exposure once the IR is correctly exposed

Grid interspace material can be made of

1. carbon fiber

2. aluminum

3. plastic fiber

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3

If the primary coil of the high-voltage transformer is supplied by 220 V and has 400 turns, and the secondary coil has 100,000 turns, what is the voltage induced in the secondary coil?

(A) 80 kV

(B) 55 kV

(C) 80 V

(D) 55 V

(B) 55 kV

Which of the following circuit devices operate on the principle of self induction?

1. autotransformer

2. rectifiers

3. high-voltage transformer

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

A. 1 only

When the radiographer selects kilovoltage on the control panel, which device is adjusted?

A. step-up transformer

B. autotransformer

C. filament circuit

D. rectifier circuit

B. autotransformer

The brightness level of the fluoroscopic image can vary with

1. milliamperage

2. kilovoltage

3. patient thickness

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following does figure 5-6 represent?

A. compton scatter

B. bremsstrahlung radiation

C. photoelectric effect

D. characteristic radiation

B. bremsstrahlung radiation

Guidelines regarding the use, care and maintenance of protective lead aprons include (select 3) which of the following?

A. they should be hung on a rack or draped over a bar when not in use

B. federal law requires a minimum Pb equivalent of 0.25mm

C. they should be folded carefully and stored safely when not in use

D. they should be x-rayed semiannually to detect any cracks

E. they protect from scatter and leakage radiation

A. they should be hung on a rack or draped over a bar when not in use

B. federal law requires a minimum Pb equivalent of 0.25mm

E. they protect from scatter and leakage radiation

A change in the size of the actual focal spot will cause a change in (select 3)

A. detail sharpness

B. image contrast

C. effective focal spot size

D. spatial resolution

E. image brightness

A. detail sharpness

C. effective focal spot size

D. spatial resolution

All of the following are associated with the anode, except

A. the line-focus principle

B. the heel effect

C. the focal track

D. thermionic emission

D. thermionic emission

Which part of an induction motor is located within the x-ray tube glass envelop?

A. filament

B. focusing cup

C. stator

D. rotor

D. rotor

Regulations governing quality control of imaging equipment include (select 3) which of the following?

A. the variation in x-ray intensity for a given exposure must not exceed 10%

B. beam alignment must be accurate to within 2% of the SID

C. the control panel must indicate when the x-ray tube is energized

D. linearity variation must not exceed 20% when testing mA stations

E. total filtration must be at least 2.5 mm AL equivalent for 70 kV and above

B. beam alignment must be accurate to within 2% of the SID

C. the control panel must indicate when the x-ray tube is energized

E. total filtration must be at least 2.5 mm AL equivalent for 70 kV and above

As electrons impinge on the anode surface, less than 1% of their kinetic energy is changed to

A. x-rays

B. heat

C. gamma rays

D. recoil electrons

A. x-rays

Moving the image intensifier closer to the patient during fluoroscopy:

1. decreases the SID

2. decreases the patient dose

3. improves the image quality

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 1 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

Figure 5-7 illustrates the

A. inverse-square law

B. line-focus principle

C. reciprocity law

D. anode heel effect

B. line-focus principle

Although the stated focal spot size is measured directly under the actual focal spot, focal spot size actually varies along the length of the x-ray beam. At which portion of the x-ray beam is the effective focal spot the smallest?

(A) At its outer edge

(B) Along the path of the central ray

(C) At the cathode end

(D) At the anode end

(D) At the anode end

Which of the following x-ray circuit devices is located in the secondary/high voltage portion of the x-ray circuit?

A. the timer

B. the kilovoltage meter

C. the milliamperage meter

D. the autotransformer

C. the milliamperage meter

Which of the following is/are associated with magnification fluoroscopy?

1. higher patient dose than nonmagnification fluoroscopy

2. higher kilovoltage to the focusing lenses

3. image intensifier focal point closer to the input phosphor

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

Advantages of battery-powered mobile x-ray units include their

1. ability to store a large quantity of energy.

2. ability to store energy for extended periods of time.

3. lightness and ease of maneuverability.

(A) 1 only

(B) 1 and 2 only

(C) 2 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2, and 3

(D) 1, 2, and 3

The device the receives the remnant beam, converts it into light and then increases the brightness of that light is the

A. charged coupled device (CCD)

B. spot image device

C. image intensifier

D. television monitor

C. image intensifier

Off-focus, or extrafocal, radiation may be minimized by

(A) avoiding the use of very high kilovoltages.

(B) restricting the x-ray beam as close to its source as possible.

(C) using compression devices to reduce tissue thickness.

(D) avoiding extreme collimation.

(B) restricting the x-ray beam as close to its source as possible.

Which of the following factors contribute to the efficient performance of a grid?

1. grid ratio

2. number of lead strips per inch

3. amount of scatter transmitted through the grid

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 2

D. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

The AEC device operates on which of the following principles?

1. delivery of the required exposure time

2. a parallel plate ionization chamber charged by x-ray photons

3. motion of magnetic fields inducing current in a conductor

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 2

D. 1, 2 and 3

C. 1 and 2

The kilovoltage settings on radiographic equipment must be tested annually and must be accurate to within

A. +- 2 kV

B. +- 4 kV

C. +- 6 kV

D. +- 8 kV

B. +- 4 kV

If 92 kV and 12 mAs were used for a particular abdominal exposure with single-phase equipment, what mAs would be required to produce a similar radiograph with three-phase, six-pulse equipment?

A. 36

B. 24

C. 10

D. 7.5

D. 7.5

Bone densitometry is often performed to

1. measure degree of bone (de)mineralization

2. evaluate the results of osteoporosis treatment/therapy

3. evaluate the condition of soft tissue adjacent to bone

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2

Required corrections made to "raw" digital image data that occur as a result of inherent flaws in the image acquisition system is called

A. preprocessing

B. postprocessing

C. windowing

D. leveling

A. preprocessing

When using the smaller field in a dual-field image intensifier,

1. the image is magnified.

2. the image is brighter

3. a larger anatomic area is viewed

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3

C. 2 and 3

D. 1, 2 and 3

A. 1 only

In Figure 5-8, what is the maximum safe milliamperage that may be used with a 0.05-s exposure and 120 kV, using the 3-phase, 2.0-mm focal-spot x-ray tube?

A. 300 mA

B. 400 mA

C. 500 mA

D. 600 mA

B. 400 mA

Referring to the anode cooling chart in the figure 5-9 if the anode is saturated with 300,000 heat units (HU) how long will the anode to cool before another 100,000 HU can be safely applied?

A. 1 min

B. 2 min

C. 3 min

D. 4 min

B. 2 min

Which digital postprocessing operation removes image noise?

A. edge enhancement

B. smoothing

C. aliasing

D. windowing

B. smoothing