chapter 1 EXAM 1

Question 1

what are the cardinal principles of radiation protection

Answer 1

time
distance
shielding

Question 2

what is the most effective means of protection

Answer 2

Distance, but using all 3 is the best

Question 3

xrays are a form of what kind of radiation

Answer 3

ionizing radiation

Question 4

consequences of ionization in human cells

Answer 4

1. unstable atoms
2. free electrons
3. low energy xray photons
4. free radicals capable of producing poisonous substances to the cell
5. creation of new biologic molecules harmful to cell
6. injury to the cell that may cause abnormal or loss of function

Question 5

what are the 4 things radiographers do to minimize damage to biologic tissue

Answer 5

1. be educated in safe operation of equipment
2. use protective devices when possible
3. follow established procedures
4. select optimal technique factors

Question 6

radiation safety is the responsibility of who

Answer 6

the imaging personnel

Question 7

radiation protection

Answer 7

the effective measures employed by radiation workers to safeguard pts. personnel and general public from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation

Question 8

what are the 2 main adverse biologic effects

Answer 8

cancer and genetic defects

Question 9

diagnostic efficacy

Answer 9

the degree to which the diagnostic study accurately reveals the presence or absence of disease in the pt.
basis for determining whether an imaging procedure or practice is justified.

Question 10

diagnostic efficacy =

Answer 10

imaging procedure/practice justified by physician—–minimal radiation exposure ——> optimal images produced —-> presence or absence of disease shown

Question 11

T or F

radiation induced cancer follows a non-threshold response so radiation exposures should always be kept ALARA

Answer 11

True

meaning there is no dose that is safe. any exposure has ppotential to cause biologic damage

Question 12

ALARA is synonymous with the term

Answer 12

ORP

Optimization for Radiation Protection

Question 13

what is they international term for ALARA

Answer 13

ORP

Question 14

what to do to reduce dose to the patient

Answer 14

reduce amount of beam on time
use as much distance between tube and pt.
use appropriate sheilding

Question 15

what to do to reduce dose to personnel

Answer 15

reduce time spent in the room during exposures
increase distance from the beam
use lead shielding between radiographer and machine

Question 16

employers responsibility

Answer 16

implement and maintain effective radiation safety program to execute ALARA
provide written policy statement
have a radiation safety officer manage ALARA program
perform periodic exposure audits

Question 17

workers responsibility

Answer 17

be aware of radiation safety rules

perform duties consistent with ALARA

Question 18

RSO is

Answer 18

radiation safety officer

Question 19

risk

Answer 19

probability of injury ailment or death resulting from an activity

Question 20

for radiation sciences the risk after irradiation is including

Answer 20

radiogenic carcinoma 
genetic defects (heritable effects)

Question 21

when patients ask are xrays safe

Answer 21

tell patients that for normal diagnostic exams there are no existing data of nay unsafe effects from the xrays used in the exam

Question 22

when patients ask about the amount of radiation

Answer 22

more difficult to answer

the dose is measured in a bunch of different units and patients have a hard time comprehending. so use BERT

Question 23

what does BERT stand for

Answer 23

Background Equivalent Radiation Time

Question 24

what is BERT

Answer 24

method to help educate and reduce patient’s fear and anxietty about the dose received for xray exams

Question 25

who recommends BERT

Answer 25

the NCRP national council for radiation protection

Question 26

what does BERT do

Answer 26

compares radiation received from a specific xray exam with natural background radiation received over a given period of time

Question 27

BERT is based on

Answer 27

annual US population exposure

Question 28

what is the annual US population exposure that BERT is based on

Answer 28

3 mSv/year

300 mrem/year

Question 29

advantages of BERT

Answer 29

its a means for comparison
emphasizes that radiation is an innate part of our environment
easy for patient to comprehend

Question 30

what state was the first to adopt laws specific to recording tracking and reporting radiation dose to the patient and referring physician

Answer 30

California

Question 31

what does TRACE stand for

Answer 31

Tools for Radiation Awareness and Community Education

Question 32

what is the TRACE program

Answer 32

designed to help patients and the community understand the safe use of radiation and to become more active participants in their own healthcare

Question 33

what are the main components of the TRACE program

Answer 33

1 embedded software capable or recording and reporting dose
2 timely notification of referring physician and pt. when radiation dose is greater than 3 Gy
3 lowering CT doses through improved technology and alterations to existing protocols

Question 34

2 phases of the TRACE program

Answer 34

1. formulating new policies and procedures to promote radiation safety and the implementation of patient and community education
2. technologic enhancements

Question 35

phase 1 of TRACE program

what can we do to educate pts./community

Answer 35

informational posters
brochures
basic info on a website for pt. education

Question 36

phase 1 of TRACE program

what can we do to educate imaging staff

Answer 36

in service education
handing out facts to remember sheets
E-mails highlighting important topics

Question 37

phase 2 of TRACE program

what can we do

Answer 37

acquire CT dose reduction technology
utilize tools for recording and reporting dose
providing notification for excessive radiation dose

Question 38

what is the end result of the TRACE program

Answer 38

reduction in dose to patient