ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

A patient is usually required to ingest barium sulfate suspension to visualize which structures?

1. Pylorus and sigmoid

2. Pylorus and duodenum

3. Sigmoid and duodenum

4. Duodenum only

The correct answer is: Pylorus and duodenum

Barium sulfate suspension is a radiopaque contrast medium that is commonly used in medical imaging to enhance the visibility of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract during X-ray examinations. When a patient ingests this contrast, it coats the lining of the structures in the digestive system, allowing for a clearer view during imaging. The pylorus is the opening from the stomach into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. By ingesting barium sulfate, both the pylorus and the duodenum can be visualized effectively. This combination is particularly significant in examinations that assess the flow of material from the stomach into the intestine, helping to diagnose conditions such as obstructions, tumors, or abnormalities in the GI tract. While the other answer options include combinations of structures, they do not accurately represent the typical clinical contexts in which barium studies are performed. Generally, the sigmoid colon is more associated with contrast agents like air or other solutions during a barium enema rather than oral barium sulfate. The focus on both the pylorus and duodenum provides a comprehensive view of a critical transition area in the digestive system, making this choice the most relevant and clinically applicable.