ARRT subcategory · 10% of scored exam
Thorax and Abdomen Procedures
Covers positioning for the chest, ribs, sternum, soft tissue neck, sternoclavicular joints, abdomen, esophagus, upper GI, small bowel, contrast enema, surgical cholangiography, ERCP, and GU studies. Intravenous urography is on the 2022 outline only, through 28 February 2027. The 2027 outline, from 1 March 2027, moves the clavicle here and adds foreign bodies and tube and line placement.
20 of 200 scored questions under the 2022 content specification, in force through 28 February 2027. From 1 March 2027, the 2027 content specification lists 22 of 200.
Sample question
A free sample question, written for this page, like those in the 285-question Thorax and Abdomen bank. Read it, pick your answer, then expand the rationale.
On a properly positioned and exposed PA chest radiograph in an adult, how many posterior ribs should be visible above the diaphragm to indicate adequate inspiration?
Show answer and full rationale
Correct answer: B. 10 posterior ribs
A, Incorrect: 8 posterior ribs falls short of the count.
B, Correct: Correct. At least 10 posterior ribs above the diaphragm indicates adequate inspiration. Bontrager also notes that patients with pulmonary disease or trauma may be unable to reach 10.
C, Incorrect: Bontrager's count uses posterior ribs, not anterior ribs.
D, Incorrect: Costophrenic angle visibility is part of quality assessment but does not specifically indicate inspiration adequacy.
Topics to study in this subcategory
Our study list, in common study terms where those differ from ARRT's. ARRT's content outline is the official list.
- PA chest at 72 inch SID
- Lateral chest (left lateral by default)
- Lordotic position for apices
- Decubitus chest (free fluid, free air)
- Abdomen series (KUB, supine, upright, decubitus)
- Upper GI series and the duodenal bulb
- Barium enema (single and double contrast)
- Intravenous urography (IVU), on the 2022 outline only, through 28 February 2027
- Ribs, sternum and sternoclavicular joints
Drill the full 285-question bank.
The free tier includes a 50-question quiz and a 200-question sample exam, 241 different questions in all. A paid plan unlocks all 2,584 ARRT-style questions, unlimited generated mock exams, and drills in this subcategory that adapt question order to you. Paid plans open soon.
Frequently asked questions
How many Thorax and Abdomen questions are on the ARRT Radiography Boards?
The Thorax and Abdomen Procedures subcategory is 20 of the 200 scored questions under the 2022 content specification, in force through 28 February 2027, about 10% of the scored exam. From 1 March 2027, the 2027 content specification lists 22 of 200. The full Radtechprepper practice bank contains 285 questions in this category, giving you ample room to drill until the patterns are second nature.
What topics are in the Thorax and Abdomen subcategory?
Our study list for Thorax and Abdomen starts with: PA chest at 72 inch SID; Lateral chest (left lateral by default); Lordotic position for apices; Decubitus chest (free fluid, free air); Abdomen series (KUB, supine, upright, decubitus). The official list is the content outline in ARRT Radiography Content Specifications. Our list uses common study terms in places, and the outline is what ARRT publishes.
How should I study for the Thorax and Abdomen subcategory?
Start with the chapter overviews listed on this page, which cover the core concepts in plain English. Then drill questions, pause on every miss, read the rationale, and re-drill the same topic the next day. Space your review over several days instead of cramming.