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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

AXR medical abbreviation quiz for abdominal X-ray terms

Quick, free quiz to practice abdomen x ray terminology. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Whitley StephensUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut art featuring abdominal Xray film letters AXR KUB quiz icons on sky blue background.

This quiz helps you practice AXR abbreviations and common abdominal X-ray terms, so you can read reports and images with more confidence. If you want to review other imaging, try our chest x ray quiz or take an abdominal ultrasound quiz. For a broader refresh, check out a radiography practice test.

What does the abbreviation AXR stand for in medical imaging?
Aortic X-Ray
Abdominal X-Ray
Abdominal Contrast X-Ray
Abdominal Radiograph Series
AXR is the standard abbreviation for an Abdominal X-Ray, which is a plain radiograph of the abdomen used to assess geometry and pathology of abdominal organs. It is often used to evaluate obstruction, perforation, or abnormal calcifications. The term 'Abdominal radiograph' is synonymous but the abbreviation AXR specifically stands for Abdominal X-Ray.
In an abdominal radiograph context, what does KUB stand for?
Knee, Upper Back
Kidney, Ureter, and Bursa
Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder
Kidney, Ureter, and Bowel
KUB refers to a plain radiograph that includes the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder. It's commonly used to evaluate renal stones, bowel obstruction, or other pathologies affecting these structures. The field of view typically extends from the upper poles of the kidneys down to the pubic symphysis.
What anatomical region is indicated by the abbreviation RUQ on an abdominal X-ray?
Right upper chest
Right umbilical quadrant
Retroperitoneal upper quadrant
Right upper quadrant
RUQ stands for Right Upper Quadrant, one of the four spaces in the transverse and vertical plane division of the abdomen. This region typically encompasses the right lobe of the liver, gallbladder, and portions of the duodenum. It is fundamental to localizing pain, masses, or pathologies on imaging.
In radiographic positioning, what does the 'supine' position refer to?
Patient lying on their left side
Patient lying on their right side
Patient lying on their stomach facing downwards
Patient lying on their back facing upwards
Supine refers to the position in which the patient lies flat on their back facing upwards. This position is standard for most abdominal radiographs as it allows for uniform distribution of abdominal contents. Supine films can demonstrate bowel gas patterns and calcifications more clearly in some cases.
On a supine abdominal X-ray, which radiographic sign indicates free intraperitoneal air outlining both sides of the bowel wall?
Cupola sign
Football sign
Falciform ligament sign
Rigler's sign
Rigler's sign, also known as the double-wall sign, occurs when both sides of the intestinal wall are outlined by gas - luminal and peritoneal. This sign indicates free intraperitoneal air often due to a perforated viscus. It is best seen on a supine abdominal radiograph where air tracks around the entire bowel wall.
What is the upper limit of normal small bowel diameter on an abdominal X-ray before suspecting dilation?
2 cm
6 cm
5 cm
3 cm
The normal small bowel diameter on abdominal X-ray is up to 3 cm; measurements above this suggest dilatation. Small bowel loops with diameters up to the valvulae conniventes (folds) that appear within the lumen are normal in size. Diameters greater than 3 cm are often a marker for small bowel obstruction.
The 'sentinel loop' sign on an abdominal film refers to which finding?
Free air in the peritoneal cavity
A localized segment of adynamic ileus next to an inflamed viscus
A chain of small bowel loops in the pelvis
Multiple dilated colon segments
The sentinel loop sign refers to a localized segment of adynamic ileus, often gas-filled, that is adjacent to an inflamed viscus such as the pancreas or appendix. It appears as a single dilated loop of bowel on an abdominal radiograph. This finding is a reactive ileus rather than generalized obstruction.
On an abdominal X-ray, the psoas shadow outlines which anatomical structure?
Psoas major muscle
External oblique muscle
Iliacus muscle
Quadratus lumborum
The psoas shadow seen on an abdominal X-ray outlines the psoas major muscle adjacent to the lumbar spine. Visibility of the psoas margin suggests adequate X-ray penetration and absence of retroperitoneal pathology. Loss of the psoas sign can indicate psoas muscle inflammation or adjacent retroperitoneal pathology.
The 'string of pearls' sign on an abdominal radiograph is indicative of which condition?
Small bowel obstruction
Large bowel obstruction
Perforated ulcer
Acute pancreatitis
The 'string of pearls' sign demonstrates small pockets of gas trapped between the valvulae conniventes in mildly dilated small bowel loops. It is indicative of small bowel obstruction. The series of gas lucencies resembles a string of pearls on radiographic imaging.
Pneumatosis intestinalis seen on an abdominal X-ray refers to which finding?
Gas in the gallbladder lumen
Gas within the bowel wall
Gas under the diaphragm
Gas in the retroperitoneal space
Pneumatosis intestinalis refers to the presence of gas within the wall of the bowel. It can be a sign of ischemia, necrosis, or other serious conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis. On an abdominal X-ray, it appears as linear or cystic radiolucencies paralleling the bowel wall.
Which radiographic finding is most suggestive of a large bowel obstruction on abdominal X-ray?
Colonic distension >6 cm with haustra that do not cross the entire lumen
Numerous small bowel loops with valvulae conniventes
Free intraperitoneal air outlining bowel walls
Pneumoperitoneum under the diaphragm
Large bowel obstruction on an abdominal radiograph typically shows colonic dilatation of more than 6 cm and haustra that do not extend fully across the lumen. The haustral markings are spaced widely and curve inward, distinguishing them from small bowel loops. This radiographic pattern helps differentiate from small bowel obstruction.
The 'coffee bean' sign on an abdominal X-ray is characteristic of which condition?
Colonic carcinoma
Small bowel obstruction
Sigmoid volvulus
Cecal volvulus
The 'coffee bean' sign is a classic radiographic feature of sigmoid volvulus, where the dilated sigmoid colon forms a loop resembling a coffee bean. The apex of the loop often points towards the right upper quadrant. Identifying this sign is crucial for prompt management of volvulus.
The 'football sign' seen on a supine abdominal radiograph indicates what underlying pathology?
Massive pneumoperitoneum
Mechanical small bowel obstruction
Pancreatic calcifications
Intussusception
The 'football sign' indicates massive pneumoperitoneum and is seen when free intraperitoneal air outlines the peritoneal cavity, resembling an American football on a supine radiograph. This sign typically indicates gastrointestinal perforation requiring urgent surgical intervention. The shape is formed by the outlining of the falciform ligament as a central line.
The 'thumbprinting' sign on an abdominal X-ray suggests which pathological process?
Gallstone ileus
Gas in the portal venous system
Free intraperitoneal air
Bowel wall edema, as seen in colonic ischemia
The 'thumbprinting' sign on an abdominal X-ray describes thickened, edematous haustral folds that project into the lumen, resembling thumbprints. It is a radiographic indication of bowel wall edema and can be seen in colonic ischemia or inflammatory colitis. This finding suggests a potential compromise of the bowel wall integrity.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Abdominal X Ray Abbreviations -

    Gain clarity on the most common abdominal x ray abbreviation and why concise notation matters in clinical practice.

  2. Identify AXR Abbreviation Terms -

    Learn to recognize and recall key AXR abbreviation elements to improve your speed and accuracy in ordering and reading images.

  3. Differentiate KUB X-Ray Meaning -

    Distinguish between the components of a KUB x-ray and understand its specific role in evaluating renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal structures.

  4. Apply Interpretation Techniques -

    Use step-by-step methods to approach abdominal x-ray imagery confidently and make preliminary assessments in quiz scenarios.

  5. Analyze Imaging Findings -

    Develop the ability to correlate radiographic signs with clinical symptoms, sharpening your diagnostic reasoning for abdominal x-ray interpretation.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Decoding AXR Abbreviations -

    AXR stands for Abdominal X-Ray and commonly includes the KUB x-ray view (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder), one of the most important abdominal x-ray abbreviations to master. Recognizing these abbreviations helps streamline imaging orders and interpretations. Use the mnemonic "KUB" to recall the primary anatomical landmarks assessed in a supine AP projection (RSNA guidelines).

  2. Standard Projections: Supine vs Upright -

    Abdominal x-rays are typically acquired in both supine (flat) and upright views to reveal air-fluid levels and free intraperitoneal air. The decubitus position further enhances visualization of small amounts of free air. Always cross-reference projections when interpreting gas patterns to avoid misdiagnosis (Radiopaedia).

  3. Identifying Normal Gas Patterns -

    Normal small bowel loops exhibit plicae circulares (complete folds) and are centrally located, while large bowel haustra (incomplete folds) extend across the colon wall (UCSF Radiology notes). Recognizing this distinction is crucial for diagnosing obstructions. Practice by sketching or overlaying pattern diagrams to reinforce the visual differences (RSNA).

  4. Common Pathologies on AXR -

    Look for radiopaque kidney stones, visible as bright densities within the urinary tract, and assess for free air under the diaphragm - an indication of perforated viscus requiring urgent attention (American Journal of Roentgenology). Ascites may present as a generalized hazy opacity with bowel loops floating centrally. Familiarize yourself with these signs by reviewing case libraries from Radiopaedia.

  5. Mnemonics for Abdominal Anatomy -

    Use the "SAD PUCKER" mnemonic to recall retroperitoneal structures (Suprarenal glands, Aorta/IVC, Duodenum, Pancreas, Ureters, Colon, Kidneys, Esophagus, Rectum) when assessing abdominal x-ray interpretation (First Aid Radiology). This trick guarantees you won't overlook critical organs in your scan. Reinforce learning by creating flashcards or digital quizzes mapping each letter to its corresponding anatomy (RSNA).

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