Management of Patient Radiation Dose

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the management of patient radiation dose in radiographic imaging, promoting effective communication and safety protocols.

Effective Communication

Enhanced interaction that reduces anxiety, improves cooperation, and promotes professionalism.

Poor Communication

Inadequate instructions that can hinder patient cooperation and cause repeat images.

Voluntary Motion

Motion controlled by the patient, influenced by factors like discomfort or fear.

Involuntary Motion

Motion that cannot be controlled by the patient, such as tremors or chills.

Immobilization

Techniques used to prevent patient movement during imaging procedures.

Protective Shielding

Methods to shield specific areas from radiation exposure during x-ray exams.

Gonadal Shielding

Protection for reproductive organs from radiation, discontinued in April 2019.

Flat Contact Shield

A lead shield used to protect reproductive organs during imaging.

Shadow Shield

Suspended radiopaque material providing gonadal protection during exams.

Shaped Contact Shield

Lead shield contoured to cover male reproductive organs effectively.

Clear Lead Shields

Transparent devices for protecting breasts and used in scoliosis exams.

Technical Exposure Factors

Parameters aiming to minimize patient radiation doses while ensuring quality images.

Kvp

Kilovolt peak; influences the penetrating power of x-ray beams.

mAs

Milliampere-seconds; determines the amount of x-ray exposure.

Entrance Skin Exposure (ESE)

Radiation dose received by the epidermis during x-ray exams.

Bone Marrow Dose

Average radiation dose to active bone marrow from exposure.

Gonadal Dose

Radiation exposure to male and female reproductive organs.

Dose Area Product (DAP)

Measures the patient radiation dose relative to the amount of tissue irradiated.

Repeat Images

X-rays that must be retaken due to errors from human or mechanical sources.

Radiation Safety

Practices aimed at minimizing patient radiation exposure.

Image Gently Campaign

Initiative focused on reducing radiation dose in pediatric imaging.

Image Wisely Campaign

Promotes reduction of radiation in adult medical imaging.

Collimation

Narrowing of the x-ray beam to minimize unnecessary exposure.

Air Gap Technique

Method to reduce scattered radiation without a grid by increasing OID.

Fluoroscopically Guided Positioning

Using fluoroscopy to locate central rays, deemed unethical by ASRT.

Pediatric Considerations

Special considerations and protocols in imaging for young patients.

Gonadal Protection Protocols

Strategies to minimize radiation exposure to reproductive organs in children.

ALARA Principle

As Low As Reasonably Achievable; minimizes radiation exposure.

Radiation Sensitivity

Increased vulnerability of children to late radiation effects.

Repeat Analysis Program

A program aimed at analyzing and reducing repeat image rates.

Epidermis Radiation Dose

The highest radiation dose received by the skin during imaging.

Monthly Monitoring of Radiation Equipment

Routine checks to ensure consistent performance of imaging devices.

Patient Cooperation Techniques

Methods used to encourage patient compliance during imaging.

Pregnancy Considerations in Imaging

Protocols to assess and manage radiation exposure in pregnant patients.

Technical Factors Adjustment

Modifications made to exposure settings to optimize image quality while minimizing dose.

Patient Education on Radiation Risks

Informing patients about potential risks associated with x-ray exposure.

Digital Imaging Repeat Rates

The frequency of repeat images in digital imaging, usually lower than traditional methods.

Medical Radiation Risk Awareness

Increased public attention on risks associated with x-ray examinations.

Request for Patient Radiation Dose Development

Gathering data needed to assess radiation dosage during imaging procedures.

Maximum Safe Dose Thresholds

Limits defined for fetal exposure to radiation during pregnancy.

Dexa scan

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry- A consideration in imaging protocols for osteoporosis assessment.

Pediatric Protocols

Specific guidelines tailored for minimizing radiation exposure to children.

Technical Chart Development

Creating charts to improve consistency and reduce patient exposure in x-ray procedures.

Name two types of patient motion and an example of each type

voluntary motion, such as breathing; involuntary motion, such as tremors, heartbeat

Areas of the body that should be shielded from the useful beam are:

lens of eyes

breast

thyroid gland

Every imaging department establishes a ______ _______ program that includes regular monitoring and maintenance of all processing and imaging display equipment in the facility.

quality control

Air Gap technique

An alternate procedure to the use of a radiographic grid for reducing scatter radiation during certain exams