Week 1 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the ALARA principle?

A

ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable, emphasizing the reduction of radiation exposure to patients and staff.

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2
Q

What role do electrons play in atomic structure?

A

Electrons are negatively charged particles in shells around the nucleus, involved in chemical bonding and reactions.

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3
Q

What are the cardinal rules of radiation protection?

A

The cardinal rules are time, distance, and shielding to minimize radiation exposure.

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4
Q

What potential damage can ionizing radiation cause?

A

Ionizing radiation can cause tissue damage, increase cancer risk, and lead to genetic mutations.

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5
Q

What are isotopes and how do they differ from isobars?

A

Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers; isobars have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

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6
Q

What are x-rays and their primary characteristic?

A

X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation capable of penetrating materials and producing photonic images.

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7
Q

What is matter?

A

Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.

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8
Q

What is a neutron and its role in an atom?

A

A neutron is a neutral particle in the nucleus that contributes to the atoms mass and stability.

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9
Q

What is the responsibility of personnel in providing radiation protection?

A

Personnel must use proper shielding, procedures, and exposure techniques to protect against radiation.

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10
Q

Explain atomic number and mass number.

A

Atomic number is the number of protons; mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.

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11
Q

Define radiation protection.

A

Radiation protection includes all methods by which people are protected from unnecessary ionizing radiation.

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12
Q

Why is radiation protection important?

A

It prevents harmful effects of ionizing radiation on biological tissue and ensures safety in medical procedures.

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13
Q

How are x-rays beneficial as a diagnostic tool?

A

X-rays allow for non-invasive internal imaging, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

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14
Q

Describe the basic structure of an atom.

A

An atom consists of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in shells.

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15
Q

What is the significance of binding energy in an atom?

A

Binding energy is the energy required to break particles apart; it determines an atoms stability.

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16
Q

How does the Bohr model describe an atom?

A

The Bohr model depicts atoms with electrons in circular orbits around a centrally charged nucleus, like a solar system.

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17
Q

What is ionizing radiation?

A

Ionizing radiation is radiation that produces positively and negatively charged particles (ions) when passing through matter.

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18
Q

Define atomic excitation and ionization.

A

Excitation is energy absorption causing electrons to move to higher shells; ionization is energy causing electron removal.

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19
Q

What are the risks associated with radiation?

A

Risks include biological damage, such as cancer and genetic mutations, due to cellular ionization.

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20
Q

What are the potential dangers of x-rays to biological tissue?

A

X-rays can cause ionization in tissues, leading to cell damage, cancer risk, and other biological effects.

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21
Q

Who discovered x-rays and when?

A

X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895.

22
Q

What is energy?

A

Energy is the capacity to do work or the ability to cause change.

23
Q

What does diagnostic efficacy mean?

A

Diagnostic efficacy is the ability of a diagnostic tool to accurately and efficiently identify or rule out a disease.

24
Q

What is a valence shell and its importance?

A

The valence shell is the outermost electron shell, crucial for forming chemical bonds.

25
Q

What is a proton and where is it found?

A

A proton is a positively charged particle located in the nucleus of an atom.

26
Q

What does ALARA stand for in radiation safety practices?

A

ALARA stands for as low as reasonably achievable.

27
Q

How can risks associated with imaging procedures be assessed against potential benefits?

A

The risk is assessed by the probability of harm versus the potential benefit gained from the procedure.

28
Q

What considerations should be taken into account to justify imaging procedures?

A

Benefits versus risks should be considered to ensure that the benefit of obtaining diagnostic information outweighs the risk of radiation exposure.

29
Q

How is diagnostic efficacy related to radiation protection guidelines?

A

Diagnostic efficacy is maximized when essential images are produced under recommended radiation protection guidelines.

30
Q

How do radiographers and radiologists collaborate to minimize patient radiation exposure?

A

They work together to keep the patients medical radiation exposure at the lowest possible level and ensure doses remain below allowable levels.

31
Q

How can the end result of the TRACE program contribute to dose reduction?

A

By raising awareness and implementing dose reduction strategies, resulting in overall lower exposure for patients.

32
Q

Why is patient education important in the context of radiation exposure during imaging procedures?

A

Education ensures patients understand procedures, risks, and necessary cooperation, reducing fear and anxiety.

33
Q

What are the typical effective dose values for common radiologic procedures, according to Table 1.1?

A

Dental/intraoral: 0.06 mSv, Chest radiograph: 0.08 mSv, Thoracic spine: 1.5 mSv, Lumbar spine: 3.0 mSv, Upper GI: 4.5 mSv, Lower GI: 6.0 mSv.

34
Q

What techniques can ensure effective communication with patients about radiation risks and procedures?

A

Use clear explanations, comparisons like BERT, and honest discussions about risks and benefits.

35
Q

What are the cardinal rules of radiation protection, and how do they apply?

A

The cardinal rules are time, distance, and shielding, which apply to both patients and radiographers to minimize exposure.

36
Q

What is the importance of a written policy statement for an ALARA program?

A

A written policy statement describes the ALARA program, demonstrates managements commitment, and makes this available to all employees.

37
Q

How should radiation workers fulfill their duties to ensure compliance with ALARA?

A

Radiation workers must be aware of workplace rules and perform their duties consistent with ALARA principles.

38
Q

How does the concept of risk in radiation sciences relate to the general perception of risk?

A

Risk in radiation sciences involves potential radiogenic cancer or genetic defects, while general risk refers to the probability of harm from any activity.

39
Q

What role does the referring physician play in ensuring patient protection from unnecessary radiation exposure?

A

The referring physician is responsible for protecting the patient from unnecessary radiation and relies on qualified imaging personnel for high-quality imaging services.

40
Q

What are the main responsibilities of an employer in maintaining radiation safety?

A

Employers must implement an effective radiation safety program, provide necessary resources, maintain an appropriate environment, make written policy statements for ALARA, and perform periodic exposure audits to reduce radiation levels.

41
Q

What is Background Equivalent Radiation Time (BERT), and how does it help in patient communication?

A

BERT compares the radiation received during a procedure with natural background radiation over time to help patients understand exposure levels.

42
Q

What are the advantages of using BERT during patient consultations?

A

BERT does not imply risk, emphasizes radiation in the environment, and is easy for patients to comprehend.

43
Q

What strategies can be implemented to maintain radiation doses well below maximum allowable levels?

A

Use the smallest radiation exposure that produces useful images, produce optimal images on the first exposure, and avoid repeat examinations due to errors.

44
Q

What technological enhancements are part of the TRACE program?

A

Enhancements include software for recording/reporting doses, notifying when doses exceed 3 Gy, and reducing CT doses with improved technology.

45
Q

How can periodic exposure audits contribute to radiation safety?

A

They identify ways to lower radiation exposure within the workplace.

46
Q

How can Optimization for radiation protection (ORP) be understood in the context of ALARA?

A

ORP is synonymous with ALARA, aiming to keep radiation exposure and consequent dose as low as possible.

47
Q

How does standardized dose reporting benefit patients and referring physicians?

A

It provides access to a patients radiation dose history, aiding in the decision-making for future radiologic procedures.

48
Q

What is the TRACE program and its significance in radiation dose awareness?

A

TRACE is a radiation dose awareness and reduction program that educates patients, communities, healthcare workers, and physicians.

49
Q

What is the significance of comparing a patient’s radiation dose history?

A

It helps in evaluating the necessity and safety of additional imaging procedures.

50
Q

How can standardized dose reporting lead to dose reduction for patients?

A

It facilitates dose tracking and management, potentially reducing cumulative exposure over time.