ARRT Radiography Practice Test

ARRT Extremity Procedures Practice Questions

Extremity Procedures makes up 7 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest ARRT practice test. Here are 10 of the 28 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-10 by the Tigertest team. Based on the ARRT Radiography Examination Content Specifications. Original questions; 50 per test, weighted like the real exam. Not affiliated with ARRT.

1. 1. For a PA hand, where is the central ray directed?

   • A.Fifth MCP joint
   • B.Third MCP joint
   • C.Second PIP joint
   • D.Midcarpal area

   Answer: B. The central ray is perpendicular to the third metacarpophalangeal joint, centering the whole hand and the distal forearm.

2. 2. On a well-positioned PA oblique hand, the midshafts of the metacarpals should:

   • A.Overlap at 3 to 5
   • B.Be foreshortened
   • C.Fully superimpose
   • D.Not overlap

   Answer: D. In a correct 45-degree oblique the midshafts of the third to fifth metacarpals are slightly separated; too much rotation makes them overlap.

3. 3. For a PA wrist with ulnar deviation, which bone is best shown?

   • A.Scaphoid
   • B.Lunate
   • C.Pisiform
   • D.Hamate

   Answer: A. Ulnar deviation pulls the scaphoid out from under its neighbors and corrects its foreshortening, the projection for suspected scaphoid fracture.

4. 4. Which projection shows the carpal canal (tunnel)?

   • A.Lateral wrist
   • B.PA oblique wrist
   • C.Gaynor-Hart method
   • D.PA with ulnar deviation

   Answer: C. The Gaynor-Hart tangential projection hyperextends the wrist and angles the central ray 25 to 30 degrees to the long axis of the hand to show the canal.

5. 5. For the PA oblique wrist, how far is the hand rotated, and toward which side?

   • A.90 degrees laterally
   • B.15 degrees medially
   • C.45 degrees laterally
   • D.45 degrees medially

   Answer: C. Rotating 45 degrees laterally (externally) from PA opens the lateral carpals, showing the trapezium and scaphoid.

6. 6. Why is the AP forearm done with the hand supinated?

   • A.Pronation crosses the bones
   • B.It lowers the dose
   • C.It opens the elbow joint
   • D.Supination shows the carpals

   Answer: A. Pronation rotates the radius across the ulna. Supination keeps the two bones parallel in a true AP.

7. 7. Which AP oblique elbow shows the radial head free of the ulna?

   • A.Lateral with 90 degrees flexion
   • B.Medial (internal) rotation
   • C.AP with full flexion
   • D.Lateral (external) rotation

   Answer: D. Rotating the elbow 45 degrees laterally separates the radial head, neck and tuberosity from the ulna. Medial rotation shows the coronoid process.

8. 8. Which elbow projection shows the coronoid process in profile?

   • A.Acute flexion
   • B.AP oblique, medial rotation
   • C.AP oblique, lateral rotation
   • D.AP, full extension

   Answer: B. Medial (internal) rotation of about 45 degrees projects the coronoid process free of the radial head.

9. 9. For a lateral elbow, how far is the elbow flexed?

   • A.Fully extended
   • B.90 degrees
   • C.45 degrees
   • D.20 degrees

   Answer: B. Flexion of 90 degrees with the humerus and forearm on the same plane shows the olecranon in profile and the fat pads.

10. 10. On a lateral elbow, a visible posterior fat pad suggests:

    • A.Poor positioning only
    • B.Overexposure of the joint
    • C.Normal anatomy
    • D.Effusion or fracture

    Answer: D. The posterior fat pad normally hides in the olecranon fossa. When it shows, fluid in the joint is pushing it out, often from an occult fracture.