CAMRT - Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists Radiation Protection and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Radiation Protection Regulations, what is the annual effective dose limit for a Nuclear Energy Worker (NEW)?

Accepted Answer

50 mSv in any one year, and 100 mSv over five consecutive years

Answer

1 mSv in a calendar year

Answer

20 mSv per year averaged over a five-year period

Answer

4 mSv for the balance of a declared pregnancy

Question 2

A medical radiation technologist is performing a mobile chest X-ray on a patient in the intensive care unit. To adhere to the ALARA principle, which of the following is the most effective action the technologist can take to minimize their own radiation exposure?

Accepted Answer

Increase the distance from the patient and primary beam to at least 2 meters during the exposure.

Answer

Wear a lead apron of 0.25 mm lead equivalency.

Answer

Use the shortest possible exposure time.

Answer

Collimate the beam tightly to the area of interest.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the primary objective of Health Canada's Safety Code 35?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance for minimizing radiation exposure to patients, staff, and the public, while ensuring diagnostic image quality.

Answer

To mandate specific exposure techniques for all diagnostic imaging procedures.

Answer

To set the purchase price and specifications for all new radiological equipment sold in Canada.

Answer

To define the scope of practice for Medical Radiation Technologists and Radiologists.

Question 4

During a fluoroscopic procedure, where should the operator and other staff position themselves to minimize their exposure to scatter radiation?

Accepted Answer

On the side of the patient where the image receptor (image intensifier or flat-panel detector) is located.

Answer

As close to the X-ray tube as possible to monitor the equipment.

Answer

On the side of the patient where the X-ray tube is located.

Answer

Directly behind the radiologist, regardless of their position.

Question 5

According to current Canadian guidelines and the position of the CAMRT, what is the recommended practice regarding gonadal shielding for most routine diagnostic X-ray procedures?

Accepted Answer

It is no longer recommended for routine use due to advancements in technology and the potential to obscure anatomy or interfere with automatic exposure control.

Answer

It must be used for all patients of reproductive age.

Answer

It should only be used for pediatric patients and pregnant patients.

Answer

It is mandatory only when the gonads are within 5 cm of the primary beam.

Question 6

What is the annual effective dose limit for a member of the general public in Canada, as specified in the Radiation Protection Regulations?

Accepted Answer

1 mSv

Answer

0.1 mSv

Answer

5 mSv

Answer

20 mSv