CH1&2 Flashcards
What are X rays?
A form of ionizing radiation.
Consequences of Ionization in Human Cells?
Creation of unstable atoms. Production of free electrons. Production of low-energy x-ray photons. Creation of reactive free radicals capable of producing substances poisonous to the cell. Creation of new biological molecules detrimental to the living cell. Injury to the cell that may manifest itself as abnormal function or loss of function.
How can we safely use radiant energy?
Employ effective methods to eliminate hazards. For instance Cardinal Rules ALARA
Saftey Control of Radiant Energy is done by
1)Control Radiation produced 2) ensure radiation safety 3) Limiting the energy deposited in living tissue
Effective Radiation Protection
On going responsibilities of diagnostic imaging professionals to ensure radiation safety during all medical radiation procedures.
Effectiive measures are employed by radiation workers to:
Safeguard patients, personel, and general public
Unecessary radiation is considered
Any radiation that does not benefit the patient in terms of diagnostic information obtained for clinical management of medical needs
Benefit vs Risk
Patient can elect to assume relatively small risk of exposure to ionizing radiation, to obtain essential information when illness or injury occurs.
Diagnostic Efficacy
Degree to which diagnostic study accurately reveals the presence or absence of disease in the patient.
Diagnostic Efficacy is maximized when?
when essential images are produced under recommened radiation protection guidelines
Achievement of diagnostic starts and ends at?
Procedure justified by physician, min radiation exposure, optimal images produced, disease present of absent=Diagnostic Efficacy
The goal is to produce optimal images in what exposure?
The first
ALARA is synonymous with which term?
Optimization for Radiation Protection (ORP)
Educating patients about imaging procedures helps:
To ensure the highest quality of service
To keep radiation exposure and consequent dose to the lowest possible level:
ALARA
Patient education entails:
Use of appropriate and effective communitcation, answer q’s honestly, inform pt’s of what needs to be done
Risk in general terms:
The probability of injury ailment or death resulting from an activity
Risk in medical field:
The possibility of inducing a radiogenic cancer or genetic defect after radiation.
BERT
Background Equivalent Radiation Time
BERT does what?
Compares radiation received w/natural background radiation recived over a given period of time.
Bert reduces?
Patient fears and anxiety
Energy is
The ability to do work
How does radiation relate to energy?
Energy that passes from one location to another and can have many manifestations
What are the two types of radiation?
Mechanical and electromagnetic waves
Mechanical radiation is
Ultrasounds
Electromagnetic waves are
Radiowaves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, UV, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Electromagnetic waves can be defined as
Electrical and Magnetic fields which fluctuate as they travel together through space.
Electromagnetic waves are characterized by their:
Frequency, Wavelength