ARRT® Vascular-Interventional Radiography (VI) Practice Tests & Test Prep by Exam Edge

• Fluoroscopic imaging systems: Operate and optimize fluoroscopy units, including pulse rate, frame rate, magnification, and filtration, to achieve diagnostic-quality images with minimal radiation dose.
• Digital subtraction angiography (DSA): Apply DSA principles to enhance vascular visualization by reducing background anatomy and motion artifacts.
• Technical factor selection: Adjust kVp, mA, exposure time, and image processing parameters based on anatomy, patient size, and procedural requirements.
• Radiation dose management: Monitor fluoroscopy time and dose indicators, applying ALARA principles to protect patients and staff during prolonged procedures.
• Image evaluation and documentation: Evaluate images for contrast enhancement, spatial resolution, anatomy coverage, and artifacts, and accurately document technical data and dose metrics.

• Patient assessment and history review: Perform comprehensive pre-procedural assessments including medical history, allergies (especially contrast media), renal function, coagulation status, and current medications to identify procedural risks.
• Patient preparation and education: Prepare patients physically and psychologically for vascular and interventional procedures by explaining steps, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring proper positioning and site preparation.
• Physiologic monitoring: Monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, ECG rhythms, and level of consciousness throughout procedures, recognizing early signs of instability or adverse reactions.
• Pharmacologic considerations: Understand indications, contraindications, and effects of anticoagulants, thrombolytics, sedatives, analgesics, and contrast agents commonly used in interventional radiography.
• Post-procedure care and discharge: Manage hemostasis, monitor access sites, recognize complications, and provide clear post-procedure instructions to promote recovery and patient safety.

A. Vascular Diagnostic Procedures

• Peripheral angiography: Assist with diagnostic imaging of upper and lower extremity vasculature, recognizing normal anatomy, common variants, and pathology such as stenosis or occlusion.
• Cerebral and neurovascular studies: Understand indications and imaging sequences for carotid, vertebral, and intracranial angiography, with attention to stroke-related pathology.
• Visceral angiography: Support diagnostic evaluation of abdominal organs including renal, mesenteric, and hepatic arteries for ischemia, hypertension, or hemorrhage.
• Venography: Perform and evaluate venous imaging studies for thrombosis, insufficiency, and vascular access planning.

B. Vascular Interventional Procedures

• Angioplasty and stent placement: Assist with endovascular treatment of vascular stenosis or occlusion, understanding device selection and post-intervention imaging evaluation.
• Embolization procedures: Support embolization for hemorrhage control, tumor treatment, or vascular malformations, including recognition of target vessels and embolic agents.
• Thrombolysis and thrombectomy: Participate in clot-dissolving and clot-removal procedures, recognizing indications, contraindications, and complication risks.
• Vascular access devices: Assist with placement and evaluation of IVC filters, dialysis access, ports, and catheters.

C. Nonvascular Procedures

• Biopsies and drainages: Assist with image-guided biopsies, abscess drainages, and fluid aspirations using fluoroscopic or image-guided techniques.
• Genitourinary interventions: Support nephrostomy tube placement, ureteral stenting, and related procedures for urinary obstruction or injury.
• Gastrointestinal interventions: Participate in procedures such as biliary drainage, gastrostomy tube placement, and GI stenting.
• Complication recognition and management: Identify procedure-specific complications such as bleeding, vessel perforation, infection, or contrast reactions and assist with immediate intervention.