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Radiation and Safety Flashcards

7 cards from real ARRT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Radiation and Safety flashcards as text

  1. Which of the following ionizing radiation types has the highest relative biological effectiveness (RBE)?

    Answer: Alpha particles

    Alpha particles have a high RBE (up to 20) because their dense ionization along a short track causes severe localized biological damage.

  2. What does the radiation weighting factor (W_R) account for in calculating equivalent dose?

    Answer: The biological effectiveness of different types of radiation

    The radiation weighting factor (W_R) reflects the relative biological effectiveness of different radiation types when calculating equivalent dose in Sieverts.

  3. Which of the following conditions is classified as a deterministic (non-stochastic) radiation effect?

    Answer: Radiation-induced cataracts

    Radiation-induced cataracts are a deterministic effect with a threshold dose; they occur with certainty above that threshold and severity increases with dose.

  4. A technologist must perform a portable chest X-ray at 80 kVp. To maximize distance for protection, they should:

    Answer: Use the longest exposure cord or wireless trigger available

    Using the longest possible exposure cord or wireless trigger allows the technologist to maximize their distance from the radiation source during the exposure.

  5. Primary radiation barriers in a radiographic room must protect against:

    Answer: The primary (useful) beam

    Primary barriers are designed to attenuate the primary (useful) X-ray beam and must be located where the unattenuated beam can strike.

  6. The NCRP recommends that the maximum permissible dose for members of the general public from artificial sources is:

    Answer: 1 mSv/year

    NCRP Report No. 116 recommends a continuous effective dose limit of 1 mSv (0.1 rem) per year for members of the general public from controllable sources.

  7. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'controlled area' in a radiology department?

    Answer: An area where radiation exposure is controlled and only radiation workers are present during exposures

    A controlled area is one where radiation exposure is controlled, access is restricted to trained radiation workers, and occupational dose limits apply.