DEXA Radiation Safety & Patient Preparation 4

Question 1

A patient with a pacemaker reports for a DEXA scan. How should the technologist proceed?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with the scan; DEXA poses no known risk to pacemakers

Answer

DEXA uses very low-dose X-rays with no electromagnetic fields that would interfere with pacemaker function, so the scan can proceed normally.

Question 2

To reduce scatter radiation exposure to a DEXA technologist operating a pencil-beam unit, the best practice is to:

Accepted Answer

Step back or stand behind a shield during the scan

Answer

Distance is one of the most effective methods of reducing scatter radiation exposure; stepping back or positioning behind a barrier significantly lowers dose.

Question 3

Which of the following implants would MOST significantly interfere with lumbar spine DEXA measurement accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Spinal fusion hardware and rods

Answer

Spinal fusion hardware directly overlaps the lumbar vertebrae in the scan field, making accurate BMD measurement of those levels impossible.

Question 4

If a patient cannot lie flat due to kyphosis, what alternative scan site would the technologist typically prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Distal radius (forearm)

Answer

The distal radius can be scanned with the patient seated, making it an appropriate alternative when standard positioning is not feasible.

Question 5

How often should a DEXA phantom calibration scan be performed to ensure equipment accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Before each patient examination or daily

Answer

Daily phantom scans are the standard quality control practice to detect any drift in DEXA system calibration before patient scans are performed.

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

(DEXA) DEXA Bone Density Scan Certification Practice Test

DEXA Radiation Safety & Patient Preparation 4