ARRT Registered Radiologist Assistant Examination Practice Test
Radiologist assistant practice questions sample imaging assessment and clinical decision-making across modalities, including interpretation of common findings, selection of appropriate examinations, and communication about results. Topics represented in this question bank include CT evaluation of acute conditions, MRI findings, ultrasound characteristics, abdominal imaging, and considerations such as contrast hypersensitivity and possible pregnancy before ionizing-radiation procedures.
Exam overview
About the ARRT Registered Radiologist Assistant Examination Exam
The questions exercise skills used to support radiologists in image-guided patient care: connecting imaging findings with the clinical question, recognizing when protocol or modality choice needs consideration, and identifying information that can shape follow-up. Scenarios include distinguishing a pulmonary arterial filling defect on CT angiography, recognizing marrow edema as evidence of acute injury on MRI, and identifying features of a simple renal cyst on ultrasound. Other items address imaging choices for suspected appendicitis when iodinated contrast poses a concern, initial CT assessment of suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage, and patient-centered discussion of results. Together, these examples emphasize accurate observation, awareness of examination limitations and safety factors, and clear communication within the imaging team. The bank's subject mix is illustrative practice content, not a statement of official examination domains or their weighting.
Sample Practice Questions
Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.
Which ultrasound finding is most characteristic of a simple renal cyst?
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Correct answer: AA simple cyst is typically anechoic, thin-walled, and smoothly marginated, with posterior acoustic enhancement due to transmission through fluid. Internal solid components, thick septations, or vascularity are not features of a simple cyst.
A patient with a suspected acute fracture undergoes MRI. Which finding most directly reflects acute bone marrow injury?
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Correct answer: AAcute marrow edema commonly appears as decreased T1 signal and increased signal on fluid-sensitive sequences such as STIR or fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging. Findings should be interpreted with anatomy and clinical history.
A CT pulmonary angiogram shows a central pulmonary arterial filling defect surrounded by contrast. What does this finding most directly indicate?
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Correct answer: AA contrast-surrounded intraluminal filling defect in a pulmonary artery is a characteristic CT finding of pulmonary embolus. The other options do not typically produce this appearance within an opacified pulmonary artery.
A patient with suspected small-bowel Crohn disease is referred for MR enterography. Which preparation is commonly used to improve assessment of the bowel lumen?
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Correct answer: AMR enterography commonly uses oral enteric contrast to distend the small-bowel loops, improving evaluation of the bowel wall and lumen. The specific agent and timing follow the local protocol.
Which change is expected on a properly obtained AP supine abdominal radiograph compared with an upright abdominal radiograph when assessing for free intraperitoneal air?
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Correct answer: AIn an upright patient, free intraperitoneal gas may rise beneath the diaphragm. In the supine position it can distribute differently and may be harder to detect; a left lateral decubitus view or other appropriate imaging may be considered when clinically indicated.
A patient of childbearing potential is scheduled for an examination involving ionizing radiation. The patient reports a possibility of pregnancy. What is the most appropriate initial approach?
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Correct answer: AA possible pregnancy should prompt the established screening and justification process, including consideration of the examination's urgency, alternatives, and dose. Necessary imaging is not automatically prohibited, but the concern should be addressed before exposure.
A radiology report describes an incidental pulmonary nodule. Which information is especially important to include to support appropriate follow-up?
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Correct answer: ANodule size, location, and relevant features such as attenuation and morphology help clinicians assess significance and determine whether follow-up is appropriate. Recommendations should be tailored to the patient and applicable guidance.
How to use this practice test
Access is free. The published bank contains 50 questions; each session presents up to 20 randomly selected questions, so successive attempts can sample different items. Review the results after each session, then revisit missed concepts such as modality selection, imaging findings, radiation-related considerations, and communicating results.
Preparation tips
- For each imaging finding, state what it indicates and how it relates to the clinical question—for example, marrow edema in acute bone injury or a contrast-surrounded pulmonary arterial defect on CT angiography.
- Compare modality choices for common scenarios, noting when contrast hypersensitivity, pregnancy possibility, or the suspected condition affects the initial imaging approach.
- Practice identifying what makes a finding actionable: for an incidental pulmonary nodule, consider which descriptive details help guide appropriate follow-up.
- Rehearse concise, patient-centered explanations of imaging results that use clear language and keep the radiologist assistant’s communication role in view.
- After a practice session, group missed items by modality and decision type, then explain the relevant observation or safety consideration without relying only on answer recall.