Question 1

Which of the following statements below is true?

Accepted Answer

According to current scientific knowledge, no safe dose level exists for radiation-induced malignant disease, as any exposure to ionizing radiation has the potential to cause damage to DNA. The ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle and the BERT (Background Equivalent Radiation Time) method aim to reduce radiation exposure as much as possible, but do not establish a safe dose level for radiation-induced malignancy. The NEXT (National Exposures to Ionizing Radiation) program and reference values provide information on average radiation exposure levels, but do not establish a safe dose level for radiation-induced malignancy.

Question 2

X-rays are a form of which of the following kinds of radiation?

Accepted Answer

X-rays are a type of ionizing radiation, which means they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, leading to ionization. This can potentially damage biological tissues and DNA.

Question 3

In a team approach to patient care,various participants
1)assume responsibility for their areas of expertise.
2)emphasize the importance of communication throughout the team
3)rotate as the person in charge of the team

Accepted Answer

In a team approach to patient care, various participants assume responsibility for their areas of expertise and emphasize the importance of communication throughout the team. However, rotating as the person in charge of the team is not a necessary component of the team approach, so option 3 is not correct. Therefore, the correct answer is option A, which includes the two correct statements.

Question 4

Which of the following is a form of radiation that is capable of creating electrically charged particles by removing orbital electrons from the atom of normal matter through which it passes?

Accepted Answer

Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from the atoms of normal matter, creating positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons. This can lead to chemical changes and damage to living tissues, which is why it is important to limit exposure to ionizing radiation sources such as X-rays and radioactive materials. Nonionizing radiation, such as radio waves and visible light, does not have enough energy to ionize matter. Subatomic radiation and ultrasonic radiation are not commonly recognized forms of radiation.

Question 5

If a patient asks a radiographer a question about how much radiation he or she will receive from a specific x-ray procedure,the radiographer can

Accepted Answer

The radiographer can respond to the patient's question by using an estimation based on the comparison of radiation received from the x-ray to natural background radiation received. This will provide the patient with information and help alleviate any concerns they may have about radiation exposure. Avoiding the question or telling the patient it is unethical to discuss their concerns would not be helpful, and refusing to answer the question could lead to dissatisfaction and mistrust in the healthcare provider. Recommending that the patient talk to the referring physician may be appropriate, but it should not be the first choice.

Question 6

The advantages of the BERT method are
1)it does not imply radiation risk; it is simply a means for comparison.
2)it emphasizes that radiation is an innate part of our environment.
3)it provides an answer that is easy for the patient to comprehend.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The advantages of the BERT method are
1)it...

Question 7

Consequences of ionization in human cells include
1)creation of unstable atoms.
2)production of free electrons.
3)creation of highly reactive free radicals capable of producing substances poisonous to the cell.
4)creation of new biologic molecules detrimental to the living cell.
5)injury to the cell that may manifest itself as abnormal function or loss of function.

Accepted Answer

Ionization in human cells can lead to the creation of unstable atoms, production of free electrons, and highly reactive free radicals that can produce substances poisonous to the cell. These processes can also result in the creation of new biological molecules that are detrimental to the cell and cause cell injury, manifesting as abnormal or loss of function.

Question 8

Why should the selection of technical exposure factors for all medical imaging procedures always follow ALARA?

Accepted Answer

ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is a radiation safety principle that should be followed in all medical imaging procedures. This means that the radiation dose to the patient should be minimized as much as possible while still achieving a diagnostic image. The reason for this is that radiation-induced cancer does not appear to have a dose level below which individuals would have no chance of developing this disease. By following ALARA, the risk of radiation-induced cancer is minimized, which is important for patient safety. Choices A and B are incorrect as they suggest that responsibility can be shifted to others, which is not ethical or effective in protecting patient safety. Choice D is incorrect as it contradicts the established understanding of radiation-induced cancer.

Question 9

Radiology departments or individual radiologic technologists can "pledge" to image gently.The pledge includes which of the following?
1)Make the image gently message a priority in staff communications each year.
2)Review the protocol recommendations and,when necessary,implement adjustments to practice processes.
3)Communicate openly with parents.

Accepted Answer

The Image Gently campaign encourages practices to prioritize gentle imaging techniques, review and adjust protocols as necessary, and maintain open communication with parents, encompassing all the listed actions.

Question 10

Typically,people are more willing to accept a risk if they perceive that the potential benefit to be obtained is

Accepted Answer

People are more likely to take risks if they believe that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks involved. This concept is known as the risk-benefit ratio. It is only when the perceived benefit exceeds the perceived risk that people are likely to take on a risk.

Question 11

The millisievert (mSv)is equal to

Accepted Answer

The millisievert (mSv) is equal to 1/1000 of a sievert, which is a unit used to measure the health effect of low levels of ionizing radiation on the human body.

Question 12

Which of the following provides the basis for determining whether an imaging procedure or practice is justified?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic efficacy refers to the ability of an imaging procedure or practice to provide useful information to the clinician in making a diagnosis or treatment decision. It is the basis for determining whether the procedure or practice is justified. The ALARA concept (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) is a radiation safety principle aimed at minimizing the radiation dose to patients and staff. The BERT method (Background Equivalent Radiation Time) is a way of expressing radiation dose in terms of how long it would take to receive the same dose from natural background radiation. The NEXT program (Nuclear Education X-ray and Technology) is a training program for imaging professionals. None of these provide the basis for determining whether an imaging procedure or practice is justified.

Question 13

Which of the following radiation quantities is intended to be the best overall measure of the biologic effects of ionizing radiation?

Accepted Answer

Effective dose takes into account the type of radiation and the sensitivity of the different organs and tissues in the body, making it the best overall measure of the biologic effects of ionizing radiation. Exposure and absorbed dose do not account for the different sensitivities of organs and tissues, and there is no single radiation quantity that can fully account for all biologic effects.

Question 14

The cardinal principles of radiation protection include which of the following?
1)Time
2)Distance
3)Shielding

Accepted Answer

The cardinal principles of radiation protection include time, distance, and shielding. These principles are used to minimize the exposure of individuals to ionizing radiation. Time refers to reducing the amount of time that an individual is exposed to a source of radiation. Distance refers to increasing the distance between the source of radiation and the individual. Shielding refers to using materials that can absorb or block the radiation to prevent it from reaching the individual. Together, these principles can help reduce the risks associated with exposure to ionizing radiation.

Question 15

Why is a question concerning the amount of radiation a patient will receive during a specific x-ray procedure difficult to answer?
1)Because the received dose is specified in a number of different units of measure
2)Because the scientific units for radiation dose are normally not comprehensible by a patient
3)Because the patient should not receive any information about radiation dose

Accepted Answer

The question concerning the amount of radiation a patient will receive during a specific x-ray procedure is difficult to answer because the received dose is specified in a number of different units of measure and the scientific units for radiation dose are normally not comprehensible by a patient. It is not true that the patient should not receive any information about radiation dose, as informed consent is an important aspect of medical procedures.

Question 16

What unit is used to measure radiation exposure in the metric International System of Units?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What unit is used to measure radiation...

Question 17

What organization was founded in 2007 that continues their pursuit to raise awareness of the need for dose reduction protocols by promoting pediatric-specified scan protocols to be used for both radiology and nonradiology users of CT?

Accepted Answer

The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging was founded in 2007, and they focus on promoting pediatric-specified scan protocols to be used for both radiology and nonradiology users of CT. They seek to raise awareness of the need for dose reduction protocols specifically in pediatric imaging. The other options listed do not have a primary focus on pediatric imaging or dose reduction protocols.

Question 18

In a hospital setting,which of the following professionals is expressly charged by the hospital administration with being directly responsible for the execution,enforcement,and maintenance of the ALARA program?

Accepted Answer

The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for ensuring that the ALARA program is implemented and maintained. The RSO is trained in radiation safety and is knowledgeable about the regulations and guidelines that govern the use of radiation in healthcare. The assistant administrator and chief of staff may have administrative responsibilities for the hospital but may not have the expertise needed to oversee radiation safety. The student radiologic technologist is not yet licensed and may not have the authority to enforce the ALARA program.

Question 19

Which of the following is a method of explaining radiation to the public?

Accepted Answer

BERT (Biological Effects of Radiation Time) is a method used to explain radiation to the public. It calculates the time it would take for a person to receive a specific radiation dose and compares it to common activities, such as flying in airplanes or receiving a dental X-ray. This helps to put the risk of radiation exposure into perspective for the public. ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), ORP (Operational Radiation Protection), and NEXT (Nuclear Explosive Experimental Technologies) are all related to radiation safety practices and regulations, but they are not methods of explaining radiation to the public.

Question 20

Regarding exposure to ionizing radiation,patients who are educated to understand the medical benefit of an imaging procedure are more likely to

Accepted Answer

Patients who are educated about the medical benefit of an imaging procedure are more likely to understand the low risk of biologic damage associated with exposure to ionizing radiation and are therefore more likely to suppress any radiation phobia and still be willing to undergo the procedure. This understanding can lead to informed decision making about medical procedures, including those involving radiation exposure.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Radiation Protection