CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What type of imaging is crucial for evaluating the presence of bowel obstruction?

1. CT scan

2. X-ray with supine and upright views

3. Ultrasound

4. MRI scan

The correct answer is: X-ray with supine and upright views

While X-ray with supine and upright views can be useful in evaluating bowel obstruction, the most crucial imaging modality is typically a CT scan. A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract and the surrounding structures. It helps in identifying the location and cause of the obstruction, including potential complications such as perforation or ischemia. Although X-ray can demonstrate air-fluid levels and distended bowel loops, it is less sensitive compared to CT. The supine and upright views can reveal signs of obstruction but may miss subtler findings that a CT scan would capture, making CT the preferred method in most clinical settings for evaluating bowel obstructions. Ultrasound can also be used, particularly in pediatrics or specific cases, but it is operator-dependent and may not visualize all aspects of bowel obstruction as effectively as CT. MRI is generally not a first-line imaging modality for this purpose due to its longer acquisition times, higher costs, and limited availability in acute settings. Therefore, while X-ray plays a role, the reliance on CT scan is justified as it provides the most definitive assessment of bowel obstruction.