Radiation safety

Question 1

what are the 4 different effects that can occur when radiation interacts with living cells?

Answer 1

radiation passes through cells with no effect, radiation damages cells but they can be repaired, radiation damages cells but they’re not repairable and effect DNA, radiation kills the cells

Question 2

Roentgen (R)

Answer 2

unit of radiation exposure that will liberate a charge of 2.58x 10-4 coulombs per kg of air and is a measure of radiation and x-ray machine production

Question 3

RAD

Answer 3

unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation
overall number of RADs left in tissue per Roentgen of radiation exposure varies by the amount of energy of the x-ray beam and the composition of tissue absorbing the energy

Question 4

Roentgen equivalent mean (REM)

Answer 4

used to express the dose equivalent that comes from exposure to radiation

Question 5

MPD

Answer 5

maximum permissible dose
maximum dose of radiation a person can receive in a specific period

Question 6

what is the maximum REMs per year for a person with occupational exposure to radiation?

Answer 6

5 REMs

Question 7

what are the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) guidelines for radiation?

Answer 7

each clinic should have a safety officer who oversees maintenance of dosimetry badges, reports dosimetry readings of individuals monitored and ensures x-ray machine is calibrated and functioning properly, signs should warn others of radiation areas

Question 8

where can radiation exposure happen?

Answer 8

primary beam, scatter radiation, x-ray tube head, fluoroscopy

Question 9

fluoroscopy

Answer 9

continuous flow of x-rays that produce a live time image of the area being assessed

Question 10

dosimetry badge

Answer 10

sensitive piece of monitoring equipment that should not be exposed to heat, pressure, fumes, or left in radiology room

Question 11

where should the dosimetry badges be worn?

Answer 11

on the outside of gown at thyroid level

Question 12

how long are dosimetry reports kept for?

Answer 12

30 years

Question 13

how can you decrease radiation exposure?

Answer 13

time: preventing retakes by making sure the proper settings and positioning are being used, also includes using the fastest time possible with the lowest mAs possible
distance: staying as far away from primary beam and patient as possible and look away during exposure
shielding: consistently wearing a lead apron, gloves, and thyroid collar

Question 14

what does PPE consist of?

Answer 14

thyroid collars, gloves, aprons/gowns, eye protection