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100+ Free ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Practice Questions

Pass your ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Certification RT(CI) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Exam

185

Total Questions

ARRT postprimary handbook (145 scored + 40 pilot)

195 min

Exam Time

ARRT exam duration table

75

Passing Scaled Score

ARRT scoring model

$225

Exam Fee

ARRT fee schedule (2026)

52%

Procedures Weight

ARRT CI content specifications

R.T.(R)

Required Prerequisite

ARRT postprimary pathway

The ARRT CI exam uses 185 total items (145 scored + 40 pilot), with 195 minutes of test time in a 215-minute appointment. Passing requires a scaled score of 75. Content is organized into Patient Care, Image Production, and Procedures (diagnostic/conduction studies and hemodynamics/PCI). The $225 postprimary application fee applies. Candidates must first hold ARRT R.T.(R) in Radiography.

Sample ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient in the cardiac catheterization lab reports sudden shortness of breath and chest tightness after contrast injection. Which adverse reaction should the technologist suspect first?
A.Vasovagal response
B.Anaphylactic reaction
C.Cardiogenic shock
D.Air embolism
Explanation: Sudden onset of dyspnea and chest tightness following contrast injection is a classic presentation of an anaphylactic (allergic) reaction. Anaphylaxis can progress rapidly and requires immediate intervention including epinephrine administration. Vasovagal reactions typically present with bradycardia and hypotension, not respiratory distress.
2During a cardiac catheterization procedure, the patient's heart rate drops to 38 bpm and blood pressure falls to 70/40 mmHg. What is the most likely cause?
A.Cardiac tamponade
B.Vasovagal response
C.Myocardial infarction
D.Anaphylaxis
Explanation: A vasovagal response is characterized by sudden bradycardia and hypotension caused by increased vagal tone. This is one of the most common adverse events during cardiac catheterization. Treatment typically includes atropine administration, IV fluids, and leg elevation. Vasovagal episodes are usually transient and resolve with appropriate intervention.
3Which laboratory value must be verified before administering heparin during a cardiac catheterization procedure?
A.Hemoglobin level
B.Activated clotting time (ACT)
C.Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D.Troponin level
Explanation: The activated clotting time (ACT) is the standard point-of-care test used to monitor heparin anticoagulation during cardiac catheterization. A baseline ACT is obtained before heparin administration, and additional ACT measurements guide supplemental heparin dosing throughout the procedure to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation.
4What is the primary purpose of performing a pre-procedure 'time-out' before a cardiac catheterization?
A.To calibrate hemodynamic monitoring equipment
B.To verify correct patient, procedure, and site
C.To administer pre-procedure sedation
D.To confirm insurance authorization
Explanation: The pre-procedure time-out is a patient safety protocol required by The Joint Commission. It involves the entire procedural team pausing to verify the correct patient identity, correct procedure, correct site, and any relevant allergies or special considerations. This prevents wrong-patient, wrong-site, and wrong-procedure events.
5Which ECG lead configuration provides the most comprehensive assessment of cardiac electrical activity?
A.3-lead monitoring
B.5-lead monitoring
C.12-lead ECG
D.Single-lead telemetry
Explanation: A 12-lead ECG provides the most comprehensive view of cardiac electrical activity by recording from 12 different vantage points. It can identify the location and extent of myocardial ischemia, infarction, conduction abnormalities, and chamber hypertrophy. In the cath lab, 12-lead ECG is essential for detecting ST-segment changes during coronary interventions.
6A patient scheduled for cardiac catheterization reports a serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL. What is the primary concern regarding contrast administration?
A.Increased risk of allergic reaction
B.Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN)
C.Delayed contrast clearance from coronary arteries
D.Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia
Explanation: Elevated serum creatinine indicates impaired renal function, placing the patient at significantly increased risk for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). CIN is an acute decline in kidney function occurring within 48-72 hours after contrast administration. Preventive measures include hydration, using low-osmolar or iso-osmolar contrast, and minimizing contrast volume.
7What is the normal range for right atrial pressure measured during cardiac catheterization?
A.0-8 mmHg
B.15-30 mmHg
C.25-35 mmHg
D.60-80 mmHg
Explanation: Normal right atrial (RA) pressure ranges from 0 to 8 mmHg. The right atrium is a low-pressure chamber that receives venous return from the systemic circulation. Elevated RA pressure may indicate right heart failure, tricuspid valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, or cardiac tamponade.
8During a right heart catheterization, the catheter is advanced from the right atrium through which valve to enter the right ventricle?
A.Mitral valve
B.Aortic valve
C.Tricuspid valve
D.Pulmonic valve
Explanation: The tricuspid valve separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. During right heart catheterization, the catheter passes through the tricuspid valve to enter the RV, then through the pulmonic valve into the pulmonary artery. The standard right heart catheter path is: vena cava → right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonic valve → pulmonary artery.
9Which imaging modality provides real-time cross-sectional views of coronary artery lumen and vessel wall from within the vessel?
A.Fluoroscopy
B.Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)
C.Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
D.Cardiac MRI
Explanation: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) uses a miniature ultrasound transducer mounted on the tip of a catheter to provide real-time, 360-degree cross-sectional images of the coronary artery lumen and vessel wall. IVUS is used to assess plaque morphology, guide stent sizing, and evaluate stent deployment during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
10What is the Gorlin formula used to calculate in cardiac catheterization?
A.Cardiac output
B.Ejection fraction
C.Stenotic valve area
D.Shunt ratio
Explanation: The Gorlin formula is used to calculate the area of a stenotic cardiac valve using hemodynamic data obtained during catheterization. It incorporates the pressure gradient across the valve, cardiac output, and the diastolic or systolic filling period. The Gorlin formula is particularly important for quantifying aortic and mitral valve stenosis severity.

About the ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Exam

ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RT(CI) is a postprimary credential for radiologic technologists specializing in cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology studies, and percutaneous cardiac interventions. The exam covers patient care, image production, and cardiac procedures with emphasis on hemodynamics, coronary angiography, and interventional techniques.

Questions

145 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours 15 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled score 75

Exam Fee

$225 (ARRT)

ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Exam Content Outline

~35 scored (24%)

Patient Care

Patient interactions, assessment, vital sign monitoring, pharmacology, sterile technique, contrast management, and emergency response

~35 scored (24%)

Image Production

Angiographic imaging modes, IVUS, OCT, ICE, archiving, quality control, power injectors, and radiation protection

~75 scored (52%)

Procedures

Diagnostic catheterization, conduction system studies, hemodynamic calculations, and percutaneous cardiac interventions including PCI, valvuloplasty, and structural heart

How to Pass the ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled score 75
  • Exam length: 145 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Exam fee: $225

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ARRT Cardiac-Interventional Radiography Study Tips from Top Performers

1Procedures make up 52% of the scored exam — prioritize hemodynamics, coronary angiography, PCI, and EP studies
2Master normal hemodynamic values (RA, RV, PA, PCWP, LV, aortic pressures) and their clinical significance
3Study coronary artery anatomy, dominance patterns, and standard angiographic projections thoroughly
4Practice ECG rhythm interpretation: identify arrhythmias and know ACLS treatment protocols
5Build familiarity with cath lab pharmacology including heparin, protamine, nitroglycerin, adenosine, and contrast agents

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ARRT CI exam?

The ARRT CI exam has 185 total questions: 145 scored items plus 40 pilot (unscored) items. Pilot questions are indistinguishable from scored questions.

How long is the ARRT Cardiac-Interventional exam?

ARRT allocates 195 minutes of test time for the CI exam within a 215-minute total appointment that includes a tutorial, NDA, and post-exam survey.

What score do I need to pass the ARRT CI exam?

You need a scaled score of 75 to pass. The number of correct answers needed varies by exam version due to scaled scoring.

What are the prerequisites for the ARRT CI credential?

You must hold current ARRT R.T.(R) Radiography certification, complete structured education requirements, and document clinical experience in cardiac interventional procedures through ARRT's online tool.

How much does the ARRT CI exam cost?

The postprimary application fee is $225. A reapplication after a failed attempt costs $200.

How should I prepare for the ARRT CI exam in 2026?

Focus heavily on procedures (52% of scored content): hemodynamics, coronary anatomy, PCI techniques, and EP studies. Build strong foundations in ECG interpretation, pharmacology, and radiation protection. Use timed practice sets to build stamina for 185 questions.