MRI Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. On a typical T2-weighted image without a fluid-suppressing technique, how does simple fluid often appear?
Identical to cortical bone
Completely invisible
Relatively bright
Always darker than air
2. Someone with an implanted cardiac electronic device is referred for MRI. Which statement is most accurate?
Every implanted cardiac device makes MRI impossible
The MRI facility needs advance notice because device type, conditions, and monitoring protocols must be checked
Any device made within the past decade can be scanned without special planning
The referral itself proves that no device screening is necessary
3. During contrast injection, a patient notices increasing pain and burning around the IV site. What should the patient do?
Wait until the entire examination is finished before mentioning it
Alert the MRI technologist immediately using the available communication method
Press on the area while allowing the scan to continue without notifying anyone
Conclude that all future MRI examinations are prohibited
4. A patient repeatedly changes position while an MRI sequence is being acquired. What is the most likely result?
Motion artifacts may reduce image quality and make repeat imaging necessary
The magnetic field becomes permanently weaker
All tissues become equally bright on the image
The scanner automatically changes from MRI to CT
5. Which process is fundamental to producing an MRI signal?
A radioactive tracer emits particles detected by a camera
X-rays are absorbed differently by bone and soft tissue
Sound waves reflect from boundaries between tissues
Hydrogen nuclei respond to a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency energy
6. What does the label “MR Conditional” mean for an implant or device?
It is safe in every MRI scanner under all circumstances
It must be removed before any diagnostic imaging procedure
It has never been evaluated in an MRI environment
It may be scanned only under specified conditions, such as limits on field strength or scan settings
7. Which object presents the clearest projectile hazard if brought too close to an MRI scanner?
A folded cotton blanket
A foam positioning cushion
A plastic specimen cup
An unsecured ferromagnetic oxygen cylinder
8. A patient expects significant claustrophobia during an upcoming MRI. What is the most appropriate plan?
Cancel because claustrophobia can never be accommodated
Bring a personal metal comfort object into the scanner
Contact the imaging team beforehand to discuss positioning, communication, or medically appropriate support
Wait until the scan starts before mentioning the concern
9. A person with kidney disease may need gadolinium-based MRI contrast. What is the appropriate approach?
Assume kidney history is unrelated to MRI contrast decisions
Proceed with a double dose so fewer images are required
Have the clinical team assess kidney function, the need for contrast, and the agent or protocol to use
Replace the MRI contrast with barium without consulting the imaging team
10. Before entering the controlled MRI scanner area, which routine is most appropriate?
Complete the safety screening and remove prohibited metal or electronic items as directed
Leave jewelry on unless it is visibly attracted to a small household magnet
Remove hearing aids only after the imaging sequence begins
Keep a phone if it has been switched to airplane mode
11. A pregnant patient receives a referral for MRI. Which action is most appropriate?
Disclose the pregnancy so clinicians can assess the examination’s benefit, timing, and any separate contrast considerations
Assume every MRI is prohibited throughout pregnancy
Assume pregnancy is irrelevant and omit it from screening
Request contrast automatically because it shortens every MRI examination
12. An MRI image shows localized distortion near a prosthetic heart valve. What is a likely explanation?
The MRI has converted the valve into radioactive material
The valve’s materials can alter the local magnetic field and create an imaging artifact
All tissue around any valve becomes permanently invisible on MRI
The artifact proves that the valve moved during the examination
13. What most clearly distinguishes a standard MRI scan from a CT scan?
MRI always requires an injected contrast agent
MRI can image only soft tissue, whereas CT can image only bone
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy rather than ionizing X-rays
MRI produces live video, whereas CT produces still images only
14. A patient has a prosthetic heart valve and is scheduled for an MRI. What should the patient do?
Assume every heart valve prevents MRI and cancel the appointment
Attend without mentioning it because heart valves are inside the chest
Rely only on whether the valve feels uncomfortable near household magnets
Tell the MRI team in advance and provide the valve’s exact model or implant documentation if available
15. Why does an MRI scanner commonly make loud knocking or tapping sounds?
Gradient coils rapidly switch while spatial information is being encoded
The main magnet repeatedly turns completely off and on
Radioactive material vibrates inside the scanner
The patient table strikes the scanner housing during each image
16. Which type of contrast agent is most commonly associated with contrast-enhanced MRI?
Iodine-based contrast
Gadolinium-based contrast
Barium sulfate contrast
Technetium-based tracer