When switching from 6-inch magnification mode to a 9-inch mode, how will the patient's radiation dose be altered?

Study for the California Fluoroscopy State Board Exam. Prepare with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Be ready to ace your exam!

When switching from a 6-inch magnification mode to a 9-inch magnification mode, the patient's radiation dose is affected by the relationship between the size of the input field and the magnitude of the dose.

In fluoroscopy, as the distance from the source of radiation to the patient's skin increases, the radiation dose to the patient decreases due to the inverse square law. This law states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

Calculating the change in radiation dose between the two distances involves squaring the ratio of the distances. The distance increases from 6 inches to 9 inches. The calculation can be expressed as follows:

  1. Calculate the ratio of the two distances: 9 inches / 6 inches = 1.5.
  2. Square this ratio: (1.5)^2 = 2.25.

This means that by moving from a 6-inch mode to a 9-inch mode, the radiation dose is decreased by a factor of 2.25. Therefore, the correct answer reflects a decrease in the patient's radiation dose by 2.25 times, which indicates that the patient receives significantly less exposure when the fluoroscopy is performed at the longer

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy