DEXA Radiation Safety & Patient Preparation 2

Question 1

A pregnant patient arrives for a DEXA scan ordered by her physician. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Postpone the scan and notify the referring physician

Answer

DEXA scans are contraindicated in pregnancy due to ionizing radiation exposure to the fetus, so the referring physician must be notified to reassess the order.

Question 2

Which of the following personal monitoring devices is MOST commonly used to track cumulative radiation dose for DEXA technologists?

Accepted Answer

Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badge

Answer

TLD badges are the standard personal dosimetry device worn by radiation workers to measure and record cumulative occupational exposure.

Question 3

What is the primary reason DEXA uses dual-energy X-ray rather than single-energy X-ray?

Accepted Answer

To differentiate bone mineral from soft tissue

Answer

Dual-energy X-ray allows mathematical subtraction of soft tissue attenuation, isolating bone mineral density values accurately.

Question 4

A patient states she had a barium enema two days ago. How should the technologist proceed with the scheduled DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

Reschedule for at least 7 days post-procedure

Answer

Residual barium in the gastrointestinal tract can falsely elevate lumbar spine BMD results, so the scan should be rescheduled until the barium has cleared.

Question 5

Which regulatory body sets the annual occupational radiation dose limit of 50 mSv for radiation workers in the United States?

Accepted Answer

NRC

Answer

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) establishes radiation protection standards, including the 50 mSv annual occupational dose limit.

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

DEXA Radiation Safety & Patient Preparation 2