Page 1 of 197
Bushong's Radiologic Science 13th Ed. Test
Bank | Chapters 1-40 | 2-Version
1. Matter is measured in:
A. Joules
B. Electron volts
C. Kilograms
D. Rems
Answer: C
Rationale: Matter is measured in kilograms (kg), which is the SI
base unit for mass. Joules and electron volts measure energy,
while rems measure radiation dose equivalence.
2. A student asks why ionizing radiation is considered
dangerous. The best response is that it can:
,Page 2 of 197
A. Cause atoms to become radioactive
B. Remove electrons from atoms as it passes through matter
C. Create new atoms within the body
D. Convert matter directly into energy
Answer: B
Rationale: Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove
electrons from atoms, a process called ionization. This can
disrupt molecular bonds and damage biological tissues, leading
to potential health effects .
3. The formula E = mc² is the basis for the theory that led to
the development of:
A. X-rays
B. Electromagnetic radiation
C. Nuclear power
D. Cathode ray tubes
Answer: C
Rationale: Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula provided
,Page 3 of 197
the theoretical foundation for nuclear power and nuclear
weapons by demonstrating that mass can be converted into
energy. X-rays were discovered before this theory.
4. What does the ALARA principle mean?
A. All Level Alert Radiation Accident
B. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
C. Always Leave A Restricted Area
D. As Low As Regulations Allow
Answer: B
Rationale: ALARA is a fundamental radiation safety principle
requiring that radiation exposures be kept as low as reasonably
achievable, considering economic and social factors, while still
obtaining necessary diagnostic information .
5. Which of the following is the largest source of man-made
ionizing radiation exposure to the general public?
A. Nuclear power plants
B. Fallout from atomic weapons testing
, Page 4 of 197
C. Smoke detectors
D. Diagnostic x-rays
Answer: D
*Rationale: Medical x-ray exposure is the largest source of
man-made radiation exposure to the US population,
accounting for approximately 50% of all radiation exposure
from man-made sources.*
6. A technologist is explaining to a patient why an x-ray is
being performed. Which statement best reflects the principle
of justification?
A. "All radiation exposure carries some risk."
B. "The benefits of the procedure outweigh the potential risks."
C. "We use the lowest possible dose for the best image."
D. "Your doctor ordered the exam, so it must be necessary."
Answer: B
Rationale: Justification requires that no examination be
performed unless the expected diagnostic benefit to the patient
Bushong's Radiologic Science 13th Ed. Test
Bank | Chapters 1-40 | 2-Version
1. Matter is measured in:
A. Joules
B. Electron volts
C. Kilograms
D. Rems
Answer: C
Rationale: Matter is measured in kilograms (kg), which is the SI
base unit for mass. Joules and electron volts measure energy,
while rems measure radiation dose equivalence.
2. A student asks why ionizing radiation is considered
dangerous. The best response is that it can:
,Page 2 of 197
A. Cause atoms to become radioactive
B. Remove electrons from atoms as it passes through matter
C. Create new atoms within the body
D. Convert matter directly into energy
Answer: B
Rationale: Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove
electrons from atoms, a process called ionization. This can
disrupt molecular bonds and damage biological tissues, leading
to potential health effects .
3. The formula E = mc² is the basis for the theory that led to
the development of:
A. X-rays
B. Electromagnetic radiation
C. Nuclear power
D. Cathode ray tubes
Answer: C
Rationale: Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula provided
,Page 3 of 197
the theoretical foundation for nuclear power and nuclear
weapons by demonstrating that mass can be converted into
energy. X-rays were discovered before this theory.
4. What does the ALARA principle mean?
A. All Level Alert Radiation Accident
B. As Low As Reasonably Achievable
C. Always Leave A Restricted Area
D. As Low As Regulations Allow
Answer: B
Rationale: ALARA is a fundamental radiation safety principle
requiring that radiation exposures be kept as low as reasonably
achievable, considering economic and social factors, while still
obtaining necessary diagnostic information .
5. Which of the following is the largest source of man-made
ionizing radiation exposure to the general public?
A. Nuclear power plants
B. Fallout from atomic weapons testing
, Page 4 of 197
C. Smoke detectors
D. Diagnostic x-rays
Answer: D
*Rationale: Medical x-ray exposure is the largest source of
man-made radiation exposure to the US population,
accounting for approximately 50% of all radiation exposure
from man-made sources.*
6. A technologist is explaining to a patient why an x-ray is
being performed. Which statement best reflects the principle
of justification?
A. "All radiation exposure carries some risk."
B. "The benefits of the procedure outweigh the potential risks."
C. "We use the lowest possible dose for the best image."
D. "Your doctor ordered the exam, so it must be necessary."
Answer: B
Rationale: Justification requires that no examination be
performed unless the expected diagnostic benefit to the patient
