DEXA Radiation Safety & Patient Preparation 3

Question 1

A patient received a nuclear medicine bone scan 24 hours ago. How does this affect their DEXA appointment?

Accepted Answer

Postpone DEXA for at least 72 hours to allow radiopharmaceutical decay

Answer

Residual radiopharmaceuticals from a recent nuclear medicine study can interfere with DEXA measurements, requiring a waiting period for adequate decay.

Question 2

What effective radiation dose does a typical central DEXA scan (spine + hip) deliver to a patient?

Accepted Answer

0.001–0.01 mSv

Answer

A standard central DEXA scan delivers approximately 0.001–0.01 mSv, which is extremely low — less than a day of natural background radiation.

Question 3

Which patient condition would most likely cause a falsely ELEVATED lumbar spine T-score on DEXA?

Accepted Answer

Osteophytes and aortic calcification

Answer

Osteophytes, aortic calcifications, and degenerative changes add density in the scan field, falsely elevating the measured BMD and T-score.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT required information to gather during DEXA patient intake?

Accepted Answer

Patient's blood type

Answer

Blood type is not relevant to DEXA scanning; fracture history, bone-affecting medications, and anthropometric measurements are all clinically important.

Question 5

Why must patients be asked about recent oral contrast or CT contrast agents before a DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

Residual contrast can artificially alter BMD measurements

Answer

Oral and IV contrast materials can remain in the body and affect X-ray attenuation, leading to inaccurate BMD values.

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

DEXA Radiation Safety & Patient Preparation 3