Test 2 Flashcards
what is ionizing radiation?
radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms (creates ions)
why is ionizing radiation dangerous?
when the electrons are stripped from atoms, they can then interact with other biological molecules in the body; the intensity depends on strength and exposure time
true or false: radiation damage in an individual can be passed onto their offspring
true; damage to the genetic code in reproductive cells can show up in future generations
what is the device used to monitor personal radiation intake called?
dosimeter
how does the dosimeter work?
contains a lithium (calcium fluoride) crystal that absorbs radiation; when crystal is heated the stored energy is released and can be measured in the form of visible light
what is secondary radiation? what leads to it?
is usually “scatter”; radiation that has deflected off of an object and onto the person - caused by increased kVp and/or field size
why are persons under 19 years more likely to develop cancer from radiation exposure?
still have growing tissues; cell division is more frequent and these cells are more susceptible to radiation damage during division
what PPE should be worn when restraining for radiographs?
lead apron
gloves
glasses
thyroid protector
why is the wall colour of the dark room important?
light colour walls reflect less light
why is the safelight colour important?
red light does not affect radiography film due to its wavelength
how do we test a safelight?
expose film in 1/4 increments for 1 minute each; if safelight is working exposure to it will not darken the film
5 basic steps for manual processing
- developer for 5min @ 20*C
- rinse 30sec
- fixer for 10mins
- rinse 20mins
- dry
what does developer do?
converts exposed silver halide crystals to black metallic silver
what are the 2 purposes of fixer?
- clear away unexposed silver halide crystals
2. hardens the emulsion
what is reticulation? what causes it?
wrinkles/cracks in the film; caused by temperature difference between the developer and fixer
what will happen if the radiograph is not rinsed/washed after developing?
the image will darken over time
7 steps to start the automatic processor
- make sure wash, developer, and fixer valves are all closed
- open water tap
- close processor and feed tray covers
- turn on power breaker
- press run
- wait for ready lamp to light up (20min)
- open feed tray cover (insert cleaning sheets one at a time)
identify two differences between manual and automatic processors
- automatic uses a higher temp
2. automatic does not use or require a rinse between developer and fixer
what information must be included on a label?
name address (facility) veterinarian date patient ID
how long must radiographs be kept by law?
5 years
what are x-rays? compare them to visible light
x-rays are electromagnetic radiation; they have greater energy and shorter wavelength than visible light
define and explain excitation
a method of transporting energy through space; a collision with a moving particle excites an atom, it then jumps to a higher energy level; when the electron falls back to its original energy level, the extra energy is released in the form of an electromagnetic photon
true or false: if you have a short wavelength, this means it has less energy
false; a shorter wavelength means there is greater energy
how are x-rays formed? explain
negatively charged electrons are emitted from the heated cathode and accelerated towards the positively charged anode; the electrons collide with nuclei of atoms and start the process of excitation - at the end, an electromagnetic photon is released
what is “brehmsstrahlung” or braking radiation?
the process of electrons slowing down and releasing electormagnetic radiation as they hit the metal anode
what settings affect exposure? how?
HIGHER KVP = faster beam = more penetrating power
HIGHER MAS = longer exposure = more electrons converted to x-rays
SHORTER DISTANCE = more penetrating power
what does milliamperage (mA) do?
heats the cathode; which releases electrons
what is thermoionic emission?
process of heating the cathode to release electrons
how can you assess density and contrast and identify/correct the settings?
- kVp; can you see the details? yes=kVp OK no=kVp too low
if film is overpenetrated bones will look grey; decrease kVp 10-15% - mAs; what is the density like? too low=double mAs too high=decrease mAs by half
what is contrast? how does it apply to radiographs?
contrast is the difference between adjacent densities of the film; you should have high contrast for bones (low kvp) and low contrast for soft tissue (high kvp)
what device can be used for some radiographs to limit scatter? when would we use it?
grid; patient thicker than 10cm
4 basic criteria for patient positioning
- patient welfare
- restraint/immobil
- potential trauma to area of interest
- restrainer exposure
what views are required whenever you take a radiograph?
2 views at right angles to each other; area of interest is closest to the film
where do you measure for thoracic positioning?
caudal border of scapula
what are the peripheral borders for thoracic?
scapulohumeral articulation to L1
should thoracic radiographs be taken on inspiration or expiration?
inspiration; we need to see the gap between heart and diaphragm