Unit 306

Question 1

The current ionising radiation regulations

Answer 1

To ensure radiation is used safely within a healthcare setting.
To protect patients from harm when being exposed and staff.
Health and safety executive

Question 2

What staff member shouldn`t be exposed to any radiation?

Answer 2

Pregnant staff member

Question 3

Ionising radiation - examples

Answer 3

1. radiation levels kept as low as possible
2. current dose limit 1msv (0.1 rem)

Question 4

Ionising radiation (medical exposure) regulations IRMER

Answer 4

Employers should be available to an operator, diagnostic reference levels and undertake appropriate reviews if they are exceeded.
Deals with exposure to patients for medical and non-medical procedures.

Question 5

IRMER why is it known as medical exposure and why was it put in place?

Answer 5

within healthcare work places and based in a medical field.
Put in place to reduce the amount of radiation exposure and therefore decreasing the harmful affects.

Question 6

Local rules

Answer 6

When working in a workplace that uses radiation daily it is important to read the current safety rules.

Question 7

How far from the X-ray beam should you stand?

Answer 7

At least 2 meters away - radiation is reduced by distance

Question 8

How many years is it for an x-ray machine to be checked professionally?

Answer 8

routine quality assurance test completed every 3 years.
CRITICAL EXAMINATION

Question 9

Radiation protection file

Answer 9

contains all of the local rules and written procedures by HSE

Question 10

where is the radiation protection file stored?

Answer 10

Locked cupboard

Question 11

Primary beam and risks

Answer 11

Ionising radiation
Significant hazard
severe radiation burns

Question 12

Scatter radiation and risks

Answer 12

secondary radiation where the beam crosses an object causing it to scatter.
skin damage
eye injury
increased risk of cancer

Question 13

Absorption by the patient and risks

Answer 13

When radiation begins to absorb into our bodies it can lead to damage of the molecular structures and possibly cause harm.
Skin burns
Hair loss
increased risk of cancer

Question 14

equipment failure and risks

Answer 14

Protective equipment of the x-ray machine, switch, plastic shield.
If equipment breaks it needs to be replaced urgently
over exposure throughout the day for patients, nurses and dentists.

Question 15

Accidental exposure and risks

Answer 15

increased risk of an induced malignancy
Risks depend on the quality and amount of dose radiation
Affect organs, or possibly skin burns, skin cancer, eye injuries

Question 16

Bitewings

Answer 16

Taken every 2 years check the left and right side of the teeth.
Tend to show the whole tooth and bone levels

Question 17

Periapical

Answer 17

Target a specific area of the mouth, emergency appointments
Shows the entire tooth plus 3-4mm beyond the apices.

Question 18

Panoramic Radiographs

Answer 18

X-ray of the whole mouth
Used after trauma, implants, orthodontics.
Main reason for taking a OPG for a child is to check everything is growing correctly.
People who have strong gag reflexes

Question 19

Radiographic image grading process

Answer 19

Graded by the radiograph quality to ensure all images are of a goof quality to diagnose correctly

Question 20

List the 3 grades of radiographic grading process

Answer 20

1. excellent quality - no errors (70%)
2. diagnostically acceptable - some errors however still can see the image enough. (20%)
3. Unacceptable - must be retaken unable to diagnose (10%)

Question 21

Step wedge test

Answer 21

Determine the amount of radiation reaching the film.

Question 22

IRMER operator requirements

Answer 22

Contains information on how to deal with exposure to patients for medical and non-medical procedures

Question 23

What is Lead foil?

Answer 23

Inside an x-ray package
Purpose is to reduce the back scattered radiation that degrades the image quality.

Question 24

Intensifying screen in an extra - oral cassette

Answer 24

Used during an extra oral radiograph
Decreases exposure time and improve resolution

Question 25

List 4 operator errors

Answer 25

1. Cone cutting - unexposed error in the radiograph
2. Elongation - Teeth and surrounding structures looking longer than they are = decreased vertical angulation
3. Foreshortened - Teeth and structures appear to short = excessive vertical angulation
4. Nail marks - rough handling of the x-ray, crescent shaped.

Question 26

List 3 digital processing errors

Answer 26

1. Blank - no exposure to radiation
2. Fading image - image has not had enough fixing time, so has not held onto the film.
3. Dark film - develop solution was to concentrated, temperature of the solution was to high = overdeveloped.

Question 27

List 3 automatic processing errors

Answer 27

1. Foggy - X-ray film has expired
2. Black - film has been exposed to light before or during processing
3. Green/brown marks - chemical has been spilt onto the film

Question 28

List examples of patient errors in regards to x-rays

Answer 28

1. Blurry - the patient has moved
2. double image - the holder with the x-ray in has moved during exposure
3. Glasses - small amount of scattering
4. Dentures - disguise image of infection

Question 29

List 3 x-ray equipment errors

Answer 29

1. cracked image - sudden change of temperature of the developer and water whilst processing the image
2. White spots - fixer spots on the film, fixing solution has been exposed to the film before it has been developed
3. Straight black border - one side of the film caused by insufficient fixer solution.

Question 30

Storage of X-ray materials

Answer 30

Kept in a draw where there is no direct sunlight, away from potential radiation exposure
New covers after use
Placed away from any liquids
Chemicals for automatic x-ray machines must be kept at room temperature e.g. x-ray room, the developer and fixer shouldn’t be mixed together.

Question 31

How is an automatic film procesessed?

Answer 31

Water- fixer- developer-dry