CHP CHP Radiation Emergency Response & Incident Management 2

Question 1

What is the recommended first step when a person is suspected of being externally contaminated with radioactive material?

Accepted Answer

Remove and bag contaminated clothing

Answer

Removing contaminated clothing eliminates approximately 80-90% of external contamination and is the highest priority first-step action.

Question 2

Which solution is most commonly recommended as the primary agent for skin decontamination of radioactive materials?

Accepted Answer

Mild soap and lukewarm water

Answer

Mild soap and water is the primary decontamination agent for skin because harsher chemicals can damage the skin barrier and increase radionuclide absorption.

Question 3

What distinguishes 'fixed contamination' from 'removable contamination' in radiation protection?

Accepted Answer

Fixed contamination cannot be removed by normal wiping techniques

Answer

Fixed contamination cannot be removed by wiping and poses primarily a direct radiation hazard, while removable contamination can be transferred and poses an uptake risk.

Question 4

What is the standard area wiped during a smear (swipe) survey to assess removable surface contamination?

Accepted Answer

100 cm²

Answer

Standard smear surveys use a 100 cm² wipe area to provide a consistent, reproducible basis for measuring and comparing removable surface contamination.

Question 5

Which chelating agent is the treatment of choice to enhance elimination of plutonium and other transuranic radionuclides after internal contamination?

Accepted Answer

DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid)

Answer

DTPA chelates transuranic elements like plutonium and americium by forming stable complexes, enhancing their elimination via urinary excretion.

(CHP) Certified Health Physicist Practice Test

(CHP) Certified Health Physicist Practice Test

CHP CHP Radiation Emergency Response & Incident Management 2