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RHS Exam
Operator Protection and Safety
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary source of occupational radiation exposure for dental radiographers? | Scattered radiation |
| Which radiation is considered the most useful for producing a diagnostic image? | Primary beam |
| Radiation that results when the primary beam interacts with the patient's tissues is called: | Secondary radiation |
| Scattered radiation is particularly hazardous because it: | Deflects in many directions |
| Which of the following is an example of unnecessary occupational exposure? | Holding the film in the patient's mouth |
| The intensity of the x-ray beam __________ as the distance from the source increases. | Decreases |
| What is the minimum safe distance an operator should stand from the primary beam? | 6 feet |
| At what angle should the radiographer position themselves relative to the exiting primary beam? | 45 degrees |
| Which is the most effective protective measure against radiation exposure? | Minimizing time, maximizing distance, and using shielding |
| A lead barrier is equivalent to approximately: | 1 mm of lead |
| Which building material offers the BEST protection from x-radiation? | 1 mm of lead |
| A specially constructed lead screen is used for: | Shielding the operator |
| If no barrier is available, the radiographer should: | Stand 6 feet away at a 45-degree angle |
| The ALARA principle stands for: | As Low As Reasonably Achievable |
| What is the ethical responsibility of the radiographer regarding ALARA? | Apply it to both patient and operator protection |
| Handheld x-ray devices should only be used when: | Conventional machines are unavailable or impractical |
| What additional safety feature do FDA-approved handheld devices have? | Leaded acrylic backscatter ring shield |
| If the backscatter shield on a handheld x-ray device is broken: | Do not use the device |
| When using a handheld device, the operator must: | Support with both hands at torso height |
| Handheld devices present no greater risk than conventional machines if: | FDA approved and safety protocols are followed |
| Radiation monitoring is defined as: | Periodic measurement of exposure rates |
| Which type of monitoring involves checking if radiation is passing through walls? | Area monitoring |
| A TLD dosimeter measures radiation exposure by: | Using crystals that emit light when heated |
| An OSL dosimeter differs from a TLD because it: | Uses optical stimulation |
| Which dosimeter provides instant real-time unlimited readouts? | DIS |
| The maximum permissible dose (MPD) for radiation workers is: | 50 mSv/year |
| The MPD for the general public is: | 5 mSv/year |
| The MPD for the lens of the eye is: | 150 mSv |
| Which organization develops standards used by regulators? | NCRP |
| Which federal agency regulates dental x-ray equipment safety? | FDA |
| If a radiographer stands 3 feet from the tube head during exposure, what happens to their dose compared to 6 feet? | It is four times greater |
| Why should radiographers avoid retakes? | They expose both patient and operator to additional radiation |
| If a patient insists on holding the receptor, what should the operator do? | Never allow them to hold the receptor |
| Why should operators never stand in the path of the primary beam? | It exposes them to the most intense radiation |
| Which principle reduces both patient and operator dose? | All of the above |
| Which protective device should always be used for intraoral exposures to protect the thyroid gland? | Thyroid collar |
| Which barrier material is equivalent in protection to 3/16 inch of steel? | 1 mm lead |
| Which agency enforces workplace safety standards related to radiation? | OSHA |
| Which type of collimation reduces patient dose by up to 70% compared to round collimation? | Rectangular |
| What is the minimum aluminum filtration required for machines operating at or above 70 kVp? | 2.5 mm |
| A lead apron protects patients primarily from which type of radiation? | Secondary and scatter |
| The best way to reduce operator exposure is: | Reduce time, increase distance, use shielding |
| Which dosimeter can be re-read multiple times for reanalysis? | OSL |
| Which U.S. Act requires states to develop minimum standards for dental x-ray operators? | Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act (1981) |
| Which principle states that radiation dose should be kept to the lowest level possible? | ALARA |
| What is the whole-body annual dose limit for dental radiation workers? | 50 mSv |
| What is the correct position for the operator if shielding is not available? | 6 feet away at 45 degrees |
| If a dosimeter badge is left on the x-ray unit during exposures, the reading will: | Be too high |
| Which factor directly affects the intensity of scatter radiation? | kVp level |
| Which U.S. agency oversees radiation standards for medical and dental devices? | FDA |
| Which international organization provides guidance used globally for radiation protection? | ICRP |
| The most effective way to prevent operator exposure during handheld x-ray use is: | Remaining inside backscatter shield zone |
| Which part of the operator's body should the dosimeter badge be worn? | On the chest, outside the lead apron |
| What is the MPD for a pregnant dental worker? | 5 mSv |
| Which exposure factor has the greatest impact on scatter production? | kVp |
| Why should operators never hold the tube head during exposure? | It risks unnecessary radiation exposure |
| Which personnel monitoring device is shaped like a USB stick and provides instant readings? | DIS |
| Which filtration requirement applies to machines operating below 70 kVp? | 1.5 mm aluminum |
| What is the function of collimation in dental radiography? | Reduce beam size and scatter |
| What is the required diameter of the round collimator opening at the patient's face? | 2.75 inches |
| Which type of collimator reduces patient dose most significantly? | Rectangular |
| Why should image receptor holders always be used? | Avoid patient holding receptor with fingers |
| Why should a thyroid collar be used in dental radiography? | To protect from scatter radiation |
| What is the purpose of total filtration? | Absorb short wavelength, nonpenetrating x-rays |
| Which monitoring practice involves surveying walls and equipment for radiation leakage? | Area monitoring |
| Which type of radiation is most likely to expose the operator unnecessarily? | Scattered radiation |
| Which government agency develops occupational radiation dose limits in the U.S.? | NRC |
| Which personal monitoring device provides real-time exposure readouts? | DIS dosimeter |
| Which organization sets recommendations that most laws are based on? | NCRP |
| Which angle should the radiographer stand relative to the exiting primary beam to reduce exposure? | 45 degrees |
| Which type of radiation is most likely to expose the operator unnecessarily? | Scattered radiation |
| What is the main function of collimation in dental radiography? | Control beam size and shape |
| Which material provides the best radiation shielding in dental offices? | 1 mm lead |
| Where should the dental radiographer wear a "fetal" dosimeter badge? | at the abdominal area |
| If a patient insists on holding the receptor, what should the operator do? | Never allow them to hold the receptor |