MODULE 8 MRAD 1307 - MIDTERM2

Flashcard 1: Q: What is the major source of man-made radiation exposure for the public?

A: Diagnostic imaging.

Flashcard 2: Q: What principle must physicians follow when prescribing X-ray exams?

A: ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Flashcard 3: Q: What is the purpose of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL)?

A: DRLs are upper exposure benchmarks, calculated as the 75th percentile of exam exposures

Flashcard 4: Q: What must be ruled out before imaging the abdomen/pelvis of females aged 11-55?

A: Pregnancy.

Flashcard 5: Q: What are the four must-follow guidelines in radiology?

1. Proven benefit for screening.

2. Minimize projections.

3. Screen for pregnancy.

4. Repeat only if necessary.

Flashcard 6: Q: What should be checked in mobile radiography for radiation safety?

A: Lead aprons, thyroid collars, exposure switch (min 2m), and beam direction.

Flashcard 7: Q: What are the technologist’s responsibilities in radiation protection?

A: Minimize exposure, follow ALARA, use collimation, and perform prescribed exams only.

Flashcard 8: Q: When must pregnancy screening be done in females aged 11-55?

A: For abdomen, pelvis, or hip imaging.

Flashcard 9: Q: What guidelines apply when imaging pregnant women?

A: Avoid unnecessary radiation and consider alternatives like ultrasound.

Flashcard 10: Q: What is the role of DRLs in clinical practice?

A: DRLs provide baseline comparisons to monitor and optimize patient exposure.

Flashcard 11: Q: What is the ALARA principle?

A: Minimize radiation exposure while achieving diagnostic quality.

Flashcard 12: Q: When should imaging be repeated?

Only if critical clinical information is missing.

Flashcard 13: Q: What should be done to reduce unnecessary radiation during mobile radiography?

A: Ensure safety equipment is present, use proper distance, and direct the beam away from the technologist.

Q: What is required in screening programs before they are implemented?

A: Sufficient evidence of benefit.

Flashcard 15: Q: What should be done to protect patients from radiation during exams?

A: Use gonadal shielding if requested and properly collimate the beam.

Flashcard 16: Q: What is the purpose of the ICRP’s three key principles?

A: Justification, Optimization, and Dose Limit.

Flashcard 17: Q: What is the role of medical imaging teams in radiation protection?

A: Ensure protection from unnecessary radiation and suggest alternate procedures when appropriate.

Flashcard 18: Q: What should be reviewed before prescribing an X-ray exam?

A: Patient history and any recent imaging exams to avoid duplicates.

Flashcard 19: Q: What is the key factor in optimizing radiation exposure for pediatric patients?

A: Use the highest appropriate kVp and modify exposure factors.

Flashcard 20: Q: What should be included in the clinical evaluation before prescribing X-ray?

A: A clinical assessment and a review of previous imaging.

Flashcard 21: Q: What must a physician provide when ordering an X-ray exam? .

A: A clinical justification for the imaging procedure

Flashcard 22: Q: What must radiographers do before performing an imaging exam?

Ensure the exam is medically justified and perform it with the lowest possible exposure.

Flashcard 23: Q: What guidelines should be followed when using shielding in imaging?

A: Use shielding only when necessary, document its use, and avoid compromising the diagnostic objective.

Flashcard 24: Q: How should mobile X-ray exams be performed safely?

A: Ensure the exposure switch is at least 2 meters away and direct the beam away from the operator.

Flashcard 25: Q: What should be done if the physician orders imaging for a pregnant woman?

A: Consider alternatives to X-rays, such as ultrasound, and ensure the radiation risk is justified.

Flashcard 26: Q: What is the significance of the 50mGy and 100mGy thresholds in pregnancy?

A: 50mGy poses minimal fetal risk, but exposure above 100mGy (especially above 150mGy) may have negative effects.

Flashcard 27: Q: What does DRL stand for, and how is it used?

A: Diagnostic Reference Level; used as a benchmark for radiation exposure for common imaging exams.

Flashcard 28: Q: What is the recommended approach to pregnancy screening in medical imaging?

A: Screen for pregnancy in females aged 11-55 for pelvic/hip/abdomen imaging and follow site-specific policies.

Flashcard 29: Q: What should be done when performing radiological exams on known or potentially pregnant women?

A: Limit radiation exposure and consider alternative imaging options.

Flashcard 30: Q: Why is gonadal shielding not commonly used anymore?

A: Advancements in equipment, reduced radiation sensitivity of reproductive organs, and potential issues with imaging accuracy.

Flashcard 31: Q: What are the principles behind minimizing patient radiation exposure in radiology?

: ALARA, use of the correct technique, and avoidance of unnecessary repeats.

Flashcard 32: Q: How should technologists handle repeat imaging?

A: Repeat only when clinically necessary, not for quality concerns.

Flashcard 33: Q: How can pregnancy concerns be communicated effectively with patients?

A: Address the benefits vs. risks of the exam and provide reassurance with up-to-date information on radiation safety.

Flashcard 34: Q: What should technologists be aware of when it comes to imaging young children?

A: Dose optimization should be especially considered, and the use of higher kVp may be necessary.

Flashcard 35: Q: What is the purpose of using a mobile radiation safety protocol?

A: To protect both patients and healthcare workers from unnecessary exposure during mobile X-ray procedures.

Flashcard 36: Q: What should be done to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure in screening programs?

A: Only implement screening with evidence of clear benefit, following appropriate clinical evaluation and justification.

Flashcard 37: Q: What is the recommended practice for imaging of patients with a history of recent imaging?

A: Incorporate recent imaging to avoid duplicate exams and unnecessary exposure.

Flashcard 38: Q: What steps should be followed to minimize radiation exposure in pediatric imaging?

A: Use appropriate kVp, avoid repeats, and collimate the beam carefully to limit exposure.

Flashcard 39: Q: What is the responsibility of the medical imaging team regarding radiation exposure?

A: To provide advice on appropriate imaging techniques and to ensure radiation protection practices are followed.

Flashcard 40: Q: What are the key aspects of radiation safety when performing mobile radiography in patient rooms?

A: Proper positioning, distance, use of safety equipment, and communication of when it is safe to return to the room.