ARRT Head and Neck Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which projection of the paranasal sinuses requires the patient to be erect with a horizontal beam to demonstrate air-fluid levels?
- All paranasal sinus projections (Correct answer)
- Only the SMV projection
- Only the lateral projection
- Only the Towne projection
Correct answer: All paranasal sinus projections
All projections of the paranasal sinuses must be performed erect with a horizontal beam so that air-fluid levels can be demonstrated within the sinuses.
Question 2: The Stenvers projection (posterior profile) of the temporal bone demonstrates which structure in profile?
- Petrous pyramid (Correct answer)
- Mastoid tip
- Tympanic membrane
- Auditory ossicles
Correct answer: Petrous pyramid
The Stenvers projection places the petrous pyramid in profile, demonstrating the internal auditory canal and semicircular canals.
Question 3: On a lateral projection of the skull, the EAMs (external auditory meatuses) should be superimposed — what does separation of the EAMs indicate?
- Rotation (Correct answer)
- Tilt
- Flexion
- Extension
Correct answer: Rotation
Separation of the EAMs on a lateral skull indicates rotation of the patient's head from the true lateral position.
Question 4: Which projection of the facial bones best demonstrates the orbital floors and blow-out fractures?
- Parietoacanthial (Waters) (Correct answer)
- PA Caldwell
- Lateral facial bone
- SMV
Correct answer: Parietoacanthial (Waters)
The Waters projection best demonstrates the orbital floors, maxillary sinuses, and is used to detect blow-out fractures of the orbital floor.
Question 5: A patient cannot extend their neck for a standard AP open-mouth odontoid view. Which alternative projection demonstrates the dens?
- Fuchs method (AP axial) (Correct answer)
- Lateral C-spine with flexion
- AP Towne of the skull
- Oblique C-spine
Correct answer: Fuchs method (AP axial)
The Fuchs method is an AP axial projection with the CR directed toward the mentum, projecting the dens through the foramen magnum when the mouth cannot be opened.
Question 6: For the AP projection of the skull (Grashey method), where does the central ray enter?
- Nasion (Correct answer)
- Glabella
- EAM
- Vertex
Correct answer: Nasion
In the AP skull (Grashey method), the CR enters at the nasion and exits perpendicular to the OML at the center of the image receptor.
Question 7: When performing a lateral projection of the nasal bones, what is the recommended kVp range?
- 50–60 kVp (Correct answer)
- 70–80 kVp
- 80–90 kVp
- 100–110 kVp
Correct answer: 50–60 kVp
Nasal bone radiographs require low kVp (50–60 kVp) to provide adequate contrast for the thin, delicate nasal bones against surrounding soft tissue.
ARRT Head and Neck Procedures 5
Which projection of the paranasal sinuses requires the patient to be erect with a horizontal beam to demonstrate air-fluid levels?