LECTURE 6 ~~~~~~ NOTES

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the employer regarding radiation protection?

Pressing the exposure button during procedures

Appointing the Medical Physics Expert

Justifying the exposure for patients

Setting up a framework for radiation protection (correct)

Which role is responsible for ensuring that exposures are justified?

The Operator

The Medical Physics Expert

The Referrer

The Practitioner (correct)

What does ALARA stand for in the context of radiological science?

As Low As Radiological Adjustments

As Low As Required Achievable

As Low As Reasonably Achievable (correct)

As Low As Reasonable Actions

What is the main purpose of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs)?

To act as a benchmark for typical examination doses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a duty of the Operator?

Providing sufficient clinical information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the principle of justification in radiological practices?

Only adopting practices that provide a net positive benefit. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT recommended to reduce radiation exposure during panoramic X-rays?

Irradiating the entire panoramic field. Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of digital imaging contribute to reducing radiation exposure?

It offers shorter exposure times while producing diagnostic images. Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken for pregnant women undergoing dental radiographs?

Ask the patient if they are pregnant before proceeding. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT involved in the optimization of radiation exposure?

Increasing the amount of radiation used for diagnostics. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is reflected in the inverse square law regarding radiation exposure?

Radiation intensity decreases with increased distance from the source. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of wearing a lead apron during radiographs?

To protect against scatter radiation, which is minimal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended practice to protect staff from radiation exposure?

Utilize shielding to block radiation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for limiting access to the controlled area?

To maintain radiation exposure within safety limits Signup and view all the answers

When is it a good practice to provide personnel dosimetry devices?

If individual doses could exceed 1 mSv per year Signup and view all the answers

Which entity enforces the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017?

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for implementing the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 in a clinical setting?

Practice Principal or Chief Executive Officer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement of local rules in a controlled area?

Access can be granted to anyone with a badge Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals is NOT identified by the IRMER legislation?

Practice Manager Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Radiation Protection Supervisor?

To ensure local rules are followed Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the documentation for IRMER compliance?

Summary of significant findings from risk assessments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Employer Responsibilities

Responsible for setting up a framework for radiation protection of patients
Identification of who is entitled to act as a referrer, practitioner, operator
Ensure that practitioners and operators are adequately trained
Appoint an MPE
Establishment of referral criteria to ensure exposures are justified
Ensure patient doses are optimised (ALARA)
Adopt diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in consultation with the MPE

Referrer Responsibilities

Provides sufficient clinical information to allow the exposure to be justified

Practitioner Responsibilities

Justifies the exposure

Operator Responsibilities

Responsible for all practical aspects associated with performing the exposure
Patient identification
Positioning the film, the patient and the x-ray tube head
Setting the exposure parameters
Pressing the exposure button to initiate the exposure
Processing films
Reporting of the radiographs

Medical Physics Expert (MPE) Responsibilities

MPE is a stage registered clinical scientist giving advice on optimisation of patient dose
RPA can often also act as the MPE

Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs)

DRL is a reference dose for common X-ray examinations
Dose level for typical examinations on standard-sized patients
Not normally expected to be exceeded without good reason
In consultation with an MPE, the employer must adopt DRLs for local use having regard to national DRLs where available

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key responsibilities of employers, referrers, practitioners, and operators in the context of radiation protection for patients. It addresses the framework for ensuring optimal exposure conditions and the roles required to maintain safety standards. Test your knowledge on these crucial aspects of medical practices.