Radiation Safety and Protection

Question 1

What is exposure in radiation?

Answer 1

Exposure is the amount of ionization produced by photons in air per unit mass of air. The unit is the roentgen (R).

Question 2

What is absorbed dose?

Answer 2

Absorbed dose is the amount of energy absorbed per unit mass of any material. The SI unit is the Gray (Gy), and the traditional unit is the Rad.

Question 3

What is equivalent dose?

Answer 3

Equivalent dose accounts for the biological effects of different types of radiation by multiplying the absorbed dose by a radiation weighting factor. The SI unit is the Sievert (Sv), and the traditional unit is the Rem.

Question 4

What is radiation activity?

Answer 4

Activity defines the number of radioactive disintegrations per unit time. The traditional unit is the Curie (Ci), and the SI unit is the Becquerel (Bq).

Question 5

What does ALARA stand for?

Answer 5

ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, which is a principle for minimizing radiation exposure.

Question 6

What are the three key principles of ALARA?

Answer 6

The key principles are Time (minimize exposure time), Distance (maximize distance from the source), and Shielding (use protection like lead barriers).

Question 7

What federal agency regulates radioactive materials made in reactors?

Answer 7

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates radioactive materials made in reactors.

Question 8

Which agency accredits oncology and radiation facilities for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement?

Answer 8

The Joint Commission (TJC) accredits oncology and radiation facilities.

Question 9

What is the purpose of primary and secondary barrier walls in radiation therapy rooms?

Answer 9

Primary and secondary barrier walls protect against direct and scattered radiation from treatment machines.

Question 10

What are treatment room safety devices used for radiation protection?

Answer 10

Devices include door interlocks, safety edges on doors, warning lights, and visual and auditory communication systems.

Question 11

What safety guidelines should radiation therapists follow?

Answer 11

Radiation therapists should always wear a radiation badge, avoid standing by the treatment room door, and never stay in the room during radiation treatment.

Question 12

What is the role of a radiation badge?

Answer 12

A radiation badge monitors exposure to radiation, and the readings last throughout your entire career.

Question 13

What precautions should pregnant radiation therapists take?

Answer 13

They should wear a second fetal monitor badge at waist level, avoid exposure to radiation sources, and wear a lead apron when handling brachytherapy.

Question 14

What are the risks to a fetus from radiation exposure?

Answer 14

Risks include growth retardation, congenital malformation, mental retardation, and childhood cancer.

Question 15

What should be done in case of a radiation emergency with a patient?

Answer 15

Stop the radiation source or move the patient away, contain radiation, or evacuate personnel as needed.

Question 16

What is the annual occupational dose limit for radiation workers?

Answer 16

The total effective dose equivalent should be less than 50 mSv (5000 mrem) per year.

Question 17

What is the dose limit to the lens of the eye for radiation workers?

Answer 17

The dose to the lens of the eye should not exceed 150 mSv (15 rem) per year.

Question 18

What is the dose limit for members of the public?

Answer 18

The total effective dose equivalent for the public is less than 1.0 mSv (100 mrem) per year.

Question 19

What is the recommended maximum dose for a fetus during pregnancy?

Answer 19

The dose to the fetus should not exceed 5 mSv during the entire pregnancy, and no more than 0.5 mSv per month.

Question 20

What is a thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD)?

Answer 20

A TLD measures radiation exposure by using crystals that emit light when heated, with the light being proportional to the amount of radiation absorbed.

Question 21

What is the most common compound used in a TLD?

Answer 21

The most common compound in a TLD is lithium fluoride (LiF).

Question 22

What are some common types of radiation detectors?

Answer 22

Common detectors include film badges, TLDs, optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLs), and Geiger-Muller counters.

Question 23

What is a medical reportable patient event in radiation therapy?

Answer 23

A reportable event occurs when the total dose differs from the prescribed dose by 20% or more, or the fractionated dose differs by 50% or more.

Question 24

What precautions should be taken to avoid radiation misadministration?

Answer 24

Always verify the correct patient, ensure the correct treatment plan is loaded, and avoid distractions during treatment.

Question 25

What is the role of phantoms in radiation therapy?

Answer 25

Phantoms are used by physicists to monitor equipment operation or conduct experiments to ensure accurate radiation delivery.

Question 26

What should be done with radiation badges to ensure accurate readings?

Answer 26

Do NOT leave your radiation badge in areas exposed to heat, sunlight, or next to radiation-producing devices like microwaves, TVs, or security scanners, airplanes. Always store it properly to avoid false readings.

Question 27

What is the purpose of the maze entryway in radiation therapy rooms?

Answer 27

The maze entryway is designed to reduce radiation levels at the door by scattering primary x-rays off the walls and preventing radiation leakage.

Question 28

What happens if the treatment room door opens during a radiation session?

Answer 28

The door interlock system will automatically turn off the radiation beam to prevent accidental exposure.

Question 29

What is the purpose of warning lights in radiation treatment rooms?

Answer 29

Warning lights indicate when radiation is “ON” to alert staff and ensure no one enters the room during exposure.

Question 30

How do neutron survey meters differ from other radiation detectors?

Answer 30

Neutron survey meters are specifically designed to detect neutrons, which other detectors like Geiger counters or scintillation detectors may not be sensitive to.

Question 31

True or False. A Geiger-Muller Counter is more accurate than an Ion Chamber Survey Meter.

Answer 31

False

The opposite is true.