RT4 Exam 1 Final
Most biologic damage resulting from diagnostic x-rays occurs from which of the following? Interaction of positive and negative ions Recombination of free radicals and positive water ions Hydrogen and hydroxyl ions Hydrogen peroxide and hydroperoxyl radicals
Hydrogen peroxide and hydroperoxyl radicals
The probability of occurrence of photoelectric absorption _________ as the energy of the incident photon decreases and the atomic number of the irradiated atoms _________. stays the same; increases decreases markedly; increases increases markedly; increases increases markedly; decreases
Increases markedly; increases
Cosmic radiation occurs in which two forms? Natural background and artificial Artificial and galactic Solar and galactic Solar and human-made
Solar and galactic
X-rays are carriers of fluorescent properties that make them visible. disease. electrons. human-made electromagnetic energy.
human-made electromagnetic energy.
Compton scattering is synonymous with photoelectric absorption. incoherent scattering. photodisintegration. coherent scattering.
incoherent scattering.
Of the two sources of ionizing radiation listed below, which source remains fairly constant from year to year? Natural Human-made
natural
As a result of technologic advances since the 1970s and strict regulations imposed within the United States by the FDA regarding consumer products containing radioactive material, the radiation exposure of the general public from such produces may now be considered very slight. negligible. substantial. moderate.
negligible.
When spread over the inhabitants of the United States, fallout from nuclear weapons tests and other environmental sources along with other human-made radiations contributes A. a dose of approximately 6.3 mSv to the equivalent dose of each person. B. a dose of approximately 1.5 mSv to the equivalent dose of each person. C. only a small portion of 0.1 mSv to the equivalent dose of each person. D. a dose of approximately 3.2 mSv to the equivalent dose of each person.
only a small portion of 0.1 mSv to the equivalent dose of each person.
The term as low as reasonable achievable (ALARA) is synonymous with the term equivalent dose (EqD). background equivalent radiation time (BERT). optimization for radiation protection (ORP). diagnostic efficacy.
optimization for radiation protection (ORP).
The first decay product of radium is x-ray. strontium. cesium. radon.
radon
The ALARA principle provides a method for comparing the amount of radiation used in various health care facilities in a particular area for specific imaging procedures. This information may be helpful to many accrediting bodies. radiation standards organizations. regulatory agencies. advisory groups.
regulatory agencies.
If two anatomic structures have the same density and atomic number but one is twice as thick as the other, the thicker structure will absorb eight times the number of x-ray photons. the same number of x-ray photons. four times the number of x-ray photons. twice as many x-ray photons.
twice as many x-ray photons.
Electromagnetic radiation travels or propagates through space in the form of a wave but can interact with matter as a particle of energy called a photon. This dual nature is referred to as wave-particle phenomena. wave-particle interchange ability. wave attenuation capability. wave-particle duality.
wave-particle duality.
Particles associated with electromagnetic radiation that have neither mass nor electric charge and travel at the speed of light are ions. negatrons. positrons. x-ray photons.
x-ray photons.
Which of the following describes cell death prior before it attempts division? Apoptosis Reproductive death Mitotic death Instant death
Apoptosis
Which of the following is responsible for the substantial rise in medical radiation exposure? Both a and b CT scanning Nuclear medicine procedures
Both a and b
X-rays are a form of which of the following kinds of radiation? Ionizing Nonionizing Environmental Internal
ionizing
Which of the following is a form of radiation that is capable of creating electrically charged particles by removing orbital electrons from the atom of normal matter through which it passes? Nonionizing radiation Subatomic radiation Ionizing radiation Ultrasonic radiation
ionizing radiation
Pair production involves an interaction with the nucleus of a tissue atom. False True
true
The probability of Compton is unaffected by atomic number. True False
true
Which of the following are by-products of photoelectric absorption? Low-energy scattered x-ray photon and Compton-scattered electron Low-energy scattered x-ray photon and characteristic photon Photoelectron and characteristic photon Photoelectron and Compton-scattered electron
Photoelectron and characteristic photon
Which of the following particles is considered to be a form of antimatter? X-ray photon Positron Electron Scattered x-ray photon
Positron
Annihilation radiation is used in which of the following modalities? Digital mammography Computed radiography Computed tomography Positron emission tomography
Positron emission tomography
In a hospital setting, which of the following professionals is expressly charged by the hospital administration with being directly responsible for the execution, enforcement, and maintenance of the ALARA program? Chief of staff Student radiologic technologist Assistant administrator of the facility Radiation Safety Officer
Radiation Safety Officer
Which of the following radiation exposures is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States? A fluoroscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal system Cosmic ray exposure Radon exposure Annual PA and Lateral chest x-rays
Radon exposure
Which subcellular effect would result in no damage? Deletion Broken-end rearrangement None of the above Restitution
Restitution
Fluorescent radiation is also known as unmodified scattering. characteristic radiation. Compton scattering. coherent scattering.
characteristic radiation.
What is the effective atomic number of compact bone? 7.6 13.8 5.9 7.4
13.8
Two cGy equals .002 Gy. .2 Gy. 2 Gy. .02 Gy.
.02 Gy.
A flight on a typical commercial airliner results in an equivalent dose rate of 0.05 to 0.09 mSv/hr. 0.001 to 0.005 mSv/hr. 0.02 to 0.04 mSv/hr. 0.005 to 0.01 mSv/hr.
0.005 to 0.01 mSv/hr.
Diagnostic x-rays are considered to have an RBE of: 4 3 2 1
1
Why is a question concerning the amount of radiation a patient will receive during a specific x-ray procedure difficult to answer?1. Because the received dose is specified in a number of different units of measure.2. Because the scientific units for radiation dose are normally not comprehensible by a patient.3. Because the patient should not receive any information about radiation dose. 1 and 3 only All the options 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only
1 and 2
In a team approach to patient care, various participants1. assume responsibility for their areas of expertise.2. emphasize the importance of communication throughout the team.3. rotate as the person in charge of the team. All the options 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
Which of the following sources of radiation is human-made?1. Atmospheric fallout from nuclear weapons testing2. Cosmic radiation from the sun and beyond the solar system3. Nuclear power plant accidents as a consequence of natural disasters All the options 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
The x-ray photon energy required to initiate pair production is 1.022 MeV. 1.022 keV. 0.511 MeV. 0.511 keV.
1.022 MeV.
The millisievert (mSv) is equal to 1/100 of a sievert. 1/1000 of a sievert. 1/10 of a sievert. 1/10,000 of a sievert.
1/1000 of a sievert.
Since the density of air is approximately _________________ than that of soft tissue, a given volume of air will interact with far fewer x-ray photons than adjacent regions of soft tissue, thereby permitting more radiation to reach the image receptor. 100 times smaller 1000 times smaller 100 times larger 1000 times larger
1000 times smaller
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that action be taken to reduce elevated levels of radon in homes to a concentration less than 135 pCi/L of air. 4 pCi/L of air. 47 pCi/L of air. 200 pCi/L of air.
4 pCi/L of air.
What is the total average annual radiation equivalent dose for estimated levels of radiation exposure for humans? 3.1 mSv 2.3 mSv 8.2 mSv 5.5 mSv
5.5 mSv
What is the half-life of radon-220? 54.5 seconds 2 years 8 days 1622 years
54.5 seconds
Which of the following statements concerning the 1979 nuclear reactor accident at TMI-2 is not true? A. Many excess cancer deaths have been predicted to occur in the 2 million people living within 50 miles of the plant at the time of the accident. B. TMI-2 has been dormant since the accident in 1979. C. The pressurized water reactor underwent an accidental loss of coolant, leading to severe overheating of the highly radioactive reactor core that resulted in a partial meltdown and significant radiation leak. D. The average dose received by the exposed population living within a 10-mile radius of the TMI nuclear power station at the time of the accident was determined to be 0.08 mSv, which is well below the average annual background level.
A. Many excess cancer deaths have been predicted to occur in the 2 million people living within 50 miles of the plant at the time of the accident
Radiation absorbed inside the patient is known as which of the following? Soft tissue dose Low-energy patient dose Patient internal dose Absorbed dose
Absorbed dose
What occurs as the number of photoelectric interactions increase? Potential for biologic damage increases Absorbed dose increases All of the above Radiographic brightness changes
All of the above
Effective protective actions take into consideration1. both human and environmental physical determinants.2. technical elements.3. procedural factors. 2 and 3 only All of the options 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only
All of the options
Through which of the following routes can radon enter houses?1. Crawl spaces under the living areas2. Floor drains and sump pumps3. Porous cement block foundations All the options 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only
All of the options
Which of the following are forms of electromagnetic radiation?1. Microwaves2. Visible light3. X-rays4. Gamma rays5. Ultraviolet radiation All the options 3, 4, and 5 only 1, 2, and 3 only 2, 3, and 4 only
All of the options
Radiology departments or individual radiologic technologists can "pledge" to image gently. The pledge includes which of the following? Review the protocol recommendations and, when necessary, implement adjustments to practice processes. Make the image gently message a priority in staff communications each year. Communicate openly with parents. All of the options.
All of the options.
The cardinal principles of radiation protection include which of the following? Time All the options Shielding Distance
All the options
Which of the following are required by The Joint Commission for CT?1. Annual education of staff in dose reduction techniques2. Minimum qualifications for medical physicists3. Documentation of CT radiation doses4. Management of CT protocols to minimize radiation dose 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 4 only All the options
All the options
What organization was founded in 2007 that continues their pursuit to raise awareness of the need for dose reduction protocols by promoting pediatric-specified scan protocols to be used for both radiology and non-radiology users of CT? The Joint Commission U.S. Food and Drug Administration Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging
What happens when a free electron combines with another water molecule? The free electron and ionized water molecule form an unstable positively charged molecule. An unstable, negatively charged molecule results. A stable, negatively charged molecule results. The free electron and ionized water molecule form a stable, positively charged molecule.
An unstable, negatively charged molecule results.
Which of the following interactions results in the conversion of matter into energy? Annihilation reaction Classical scattering Modified scattering Photoelectric absorption
Annihilation reaction
Which of the following helps shield the global population from exposure to essentially all high-energy, bombarding cosmic rays? Atmosphere and magnetic field of the Earth Fog Smog Clouds
Atmosphere and magnetic field of the Earth
When an inner electron is removed from an atom in a photoelectric interaction, thus causing an inner-shell vacancy, the energy liberated when this vacancy is filled can be transferred to another electron of the atom, thereby ejecting that electron, instead of emerging from the atom as characteristic radiation. What is this electron called? Auger electron Compton electron Sievert electron Edison electron
Auger electron
Which of the following is a method of explaining radiation to the public? BERT ORP ALARA NEXT
BERT
Why should the selection of technical exposure factors for all medical imaging procedures always follow ALARA? A. Because radiation-induced cancer does have a dose level at which individuals would have a chance of developing this disease. B. So that radiographers and radiologists do not have to accept responsibility for patient radiation safety. C. Because radiation-induced cancer does not appear to have a fixed threshold, that is, a dose level below which a person would have no chance of developing this disease. D. So that referring physicians ordering imaging procedures do not have to accept responsibility for patient radiation safety.
Because radiation-induced cancer does not appear to have a fixed threshold, that is, a dose level below which a person would have no chance of developing this disease.
Which of the following is not a type of interaction between x-radiation and biologic matter? Photoelectric absorption Compton scattering Pair production Bremsstrahlung
Bremsstrahlung
Which of the following would be most radiosensitive? Cells that reproduce slowly Cells that reproduce rapidly
Cells that reproduce rapidly
Which of the following is not another term for coherent scattering? Unmodified Characteristic Elastic Classical
Characteristic
Which of the following terms refers to the radiation that occurs when an electron spontaneously drops down from an outer shell of an ionized atom to fill a vacancy in an inner shell of that atom? Characteristic photon, or characteristic x-ray Bremsstrahlung Primary radiation Photoelectric radiation
Characteristic photon, or characteristic x-ray
Which interaction results in scattering of the x-ray photon without ionization? Photoelectric Compton Classical Pair production
Classical
Which two interactions between x-radiation and matter may result in the production of small-angle scatter? Photoelectric absorption and pair production Coherent scattering and pair production Coherent scattering and Compton scattering Photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering
Coherent scattering and Compton scattering
Which of the following results in all-directional scatter? Compton interaction Classical interaction Photoelectric interaction Coherent interaction
Compton interaction
What unit is used to measure radiation exposure in the metric International System of Units? Millisievert Milligray Coulomb per kilogram Sievert
Coulomb per kilogram
What is the term for the number of x-rays emitted per inner-shell vacancy during the process of photoelectric absorption? Classical gain Characteristic absorption Fluorescent yield Modified pair production
Fluorescent yield
Which interaction requires energy greater than 10 MeV? Compton Pair production Photodisintegration Photoelectric
Photodisintegration
Which of the following provides the basis for determining whether an imaging procedure or practice is justified? Diagnostic efficacy NEXT program BERT method ALARA concept
Diagnostic efficacy
Which of the following radiation quantities is intended to be the best overall measure of the biologic effects of ionizing radiation? There is no radiation quantity that is intended to be the best overall measure of the biologic effects of ionizing radiation. Effective dose Exposure Absorbed dose
Effective dose
Which of the following radiation quantities use the same unit of measure? All of the above Absorbed dose and equivalent dose Effective dose and equivalent dose Exposure and effective dose
Effective dose and equivalent dose
Which of the following statements below is true? It appears that no safe dose level exists for radiation-induced malignant disease. The ALARA principle establishes a dose level for radiation-induced malignancy. The BERT method establishes a dose level for radiation-induced malignancy. The NEXT program and reference values establish a dose level for radiation-induced malignancy.
It appears that no safe dose level exists for radiation-induced malignant disease
When comparing a dose of radiation delivered over a short period of time to a dose of the same amount delivered over a greater period of time, which of the following is true of the biologic effect of the dose delivered over a short period of time? It would be greater. It would be equal. More information is needed. It would be less.
It would be greater.
Terrestrial radiation includes which of the following sources? Radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons tests in which detonation occurred above ground Airport surveillance systems and electron microscopes Long-lived radioactive elements such as uranium-238, radium-226, and thorium-232 that are present in variable quantities in the crust of the Earth The sun and beyond the solar system
Long-lived radioactive elements such as uranium-238, radium-226, and thorium-232 that are present in variable quantities in the crust of the Earth
What is the most common unit of measure of equivalent dose? MicroLiter Coulomb per kilogram Millisievert Milligray
Millisievert
Indirect action usually involves what molecule first? Critical RNA DNA Non-critical (water)
Non-critical (water)
Which interaction creates a particle that is subsequently destroyed in an annihilation event? Compton Photodisintegration Pair production Photoelectric
Pair production
Which of the following interactions between x-ray photons with matter involve a matter-antimatter annihilation reaction? Pair production Photoelectric absorption Coherent scattering Compton scattering
Pair production
Alpha is what form of ionizing radiation? Electromagnetic Particulate
Particulate
Protons as an emission from a radioactive nucleus constitute what form of radiation? Electromagnetic Particulate
Particulate
The interaction between ionizing radiation and a vital cell structure is the basis for which of the following? Law of Bergonie and Tribondeau Compton effect Target theory Image forming radiation
Target theory
What happens to photons that scatter as they pass through the body? All of the above Penetrate the body and expose the image receptor Deflect in a different direction Create a hazard to personnel
all of the above
What increases the probability of biologic damage? All of the above Increased ionization per micron of soft-tissue Reduced speed of particles Increased LET
all of the above
Consequences of ionization in human cells include1. creation of unstable atoms.2. production of free electrons.3. creation of highly reactive free molecules (called free radicals) capable of producing substances poisonous to the cell.4. creation of new biologic molecules detrimental to the living cell.5. injury to the cell that may manifest itself as abnormal function or loss of function.6. production of low-energy x-ray photons. 3, 4, 5, and 6 only 2, 3, 4, and 5 only All the options 1, 2, 3, and 4 only
all of the options
Diagnostic efficacy includes1. determining if an imaging procedure is justified.2. producing optimal quality images with the least radiation exposure to the patient.3. adhering to radiation safety guidelines.4. revealing the presence or absence of disease in a patient. 2, 3, and 4 only 1, 2, and 4 only All the options 1, 2, and 3 only
all of the options
The advantages of the BERT method are1. BERT does not imply radiation risk; it is simply a means for comparison.2. BERT emphasizes that radiation is an innate part of the environment.3. BERT provides an answer that is easy for the patient to comprehend. 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1 and 2 only All the options
all of the options
During the process of coherent scattering, an incident low-energy x-ray photon interacts with A. a single inner-shell electron, ejecting it from its orbit. B. an atom and may transfer its energy by causing some or all of the electrons of the atom to momentarily vibrate and radiate energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. C. a scattered photon of lesser energy, annihilating it. D. a single outer-shell electron, ejecting it from its orbit.
an atom and may transfer its energy by causing some or all of the electrons of the atom to momentarily vibrate and radiate energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.
In photoelectric absorption to dislodge an inner-shell electron from its atomic orbit, the incoming x-ray photon must be able to transfer a quantity of energy A. 10 times as great as the energy that holds the atom together. B. as large as or larger than the amount of energy that holds the electron in its orbit. C. equal to or greater than 1.022 MeV, regardless of the energy that holds the electron in its orbit. D. less than the energy that holds the atom together.
as large as or larger than the amount of energy that holds the electron in its orbit.
Although coherent scattering is most likely to occur ____________, some of this unmodified scattering occurs throughout the diagnostic range and can result in small amounts of radiographic fog. between 60 keV and 90 keV at less than 10 keV above 100 keV between 30 keV and 60 keV
at less than 10 keV
The symbol Z indicates the number of vacancies in an atomic shell. atomic number of an atom. atomic weight of an atom. fluorescent yield.
atomic number of an atom.
If ionizing radiation from natural sources grows larger because of accidental or deliberate human actions such as mining radioactive elements, the sources are termed human-made sources. artificial sources. extraterrestrial sources. enhanced natural sources.
enhanced natural sources
The mass of an alpha particle is approximately two times the mass of a hydrogen atom and a negative charge of minus 2. six times the mass of a hydrogen atom and a negative charge of minus 1. eight times the mass of a hydrogen atom and a positive charge four times that of an electron. four times the mass of a hydrogen atom and a positive charge twice that of an electron.
four times the mass of a hydrogen atom and a positive charge twice that of an electron.
Typically, people are more willing to accept a risk if they perceive that the potential benefit to be obtained is typically, people are not willing to accept risk no matter how great the benefit may be. greater than the risk involved. less than the risk involved. equal to the risk involved.
greater than the risk involved.
If a patient asks a radiographer a question about how much radiation he or she will receive from a specific x-ray procedure, the radiographer can refuse to answer the question and recommend that he or she speak with the referring physician. tell the patient that it is unethical to discuss such concerns. avoid the patient's question by changing the subject. respond by using an estimation based on the comparison of radiation received from the x-ray to natural background radiation received.
respond by using an estimation based on the comparison of radiation received from the x-ray to natural background radiation received.
In the electromagnetic spectrum, higher frequencies are associated with shorter wavelengths and lower energies. longer wavelengths and lower energies. shorter wavelengths and higher energies. longer wavelengths and higher energies.
shorter wavelengths and higher energies.
When exposed to high radon levels in the home, which of the following groups of people have the highest risk of developing lung cancer? Smokers Adults from 20 to 30 years of age Teenagers Nonsmokers
smokers
Regarding exposure to ionizing radiation, patients who are educated to understand the medical benefit of an imaging procedure are more likely to suppress any radiation phobia but not risk a small chance of possible biologic damage. suppress any radiation phobia and be willing to assume a small chance of possible biologic damage. assume a small chance of biologic damage but not suppress any radiation phobia they may have. cancel their scheduled procedure because they are not willing to assume a small chance of biologic damage.
suppress any radiation phobia and be willing to assume a small chance of possible biologic damage.
Removal and storage of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant continues to be a major concern because there is still immediate danger of another earthquake. there is still immediate danger from explosions. the amount of contaminated water can still increase. there is still immediate danger of another tsunami.
the amount of contaminated water can still increase.
According to a recent NCRP report, medical sources of radiation exposure are now the major source of exposure to the U.S. population. False True
true