Radiology · single question
The assistant hands you a newly exposed radiograph. What is the FIRST thing you should do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Assess the diagnostic quality of the image
- A. Filing precedes nothing — quality assessment comes first.
- B. Correct. The first step is always to evaluate whether the image is DIAGNOSTICALLY ACCEPTABLE — correct anatomical coverage, adequate density and contrast, no cone-cut, elongation, foreshortening, overlap or motion artefact. Interpreting a technically inadequate image risks a false diagnosis, and the decision to retake must be made before the patient leaves the chair.
- C. Interpretation is only valid once the image has been confirmed adequate.
- D. Retaking without cause is an unjustified radiation exposure and violates ALARA.