VTNE Plan

Diagnostic Imaging: practice questions

2 original questions · 2 editor-approved · every choice explained.

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Blueprint-mapped questions with full rationales for every choice.

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Diagnostic ImagingDifficulty 3/5

Radiographs from a machine are consistently too dark. Which adjustment corrects the density?

  1. AReduce the mAs, because it controls the quantity of radiation and density
  2. BReduce the kVp, because it controls the contrast of the resulting image
  3. CIncrease the source-to-image distance to reduce beam intensity
  4. DIncrease the exposure time to allow the image to develop properly
Show answer and rationale

Correct: A. mAs controls the quantity of radiation and therefore image density. kVp controls penetration and contrast, so changing it first confuses the diagnosis of an over-exposure problem.

  • B — Lowering kVp changes contrast and penetration rather than correcting density cleanly.
  • C — Changing distance alters technique in a way the chart does not account for.
  • D — Increasing time increases mAs and makes the image darker still.
Diagnostic ImagingDifficulty 2/5

Which practice best reflects the ALARA principle during radiography?

  1. AManually restraining patients so that repeat exposures are avoided
  2. BUsing sedation and positioning aids so no one remains in the room
  3. CStanding behind the technician holding the patient during exposure
  4. DWearing a dosimeter under the lead apron to record true exposure
Show answer and rationale

Correct: B. ALARA means keeping exposure as low as reasonably achievable: sedation and positioning devices remove people from the room entirely. Dosimeters are worn outside the apron at collar level.

  • A — Manual restraint places staff in the primary beam area unnecessarily.
  • C — Being in the room at all is the exposure that ALARA removes.
  • D — A dosimeter under the apron under-reports true exposure.

Primary references

  1. VTNE Candidate Information Handbook — American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22