Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What happens when an individual receives a dose of 200 to 400 REM?

1. Minor changes in blood cells

2. Potential for infections due to white blood cell loss

3. Immediate physiological symptoms appear

4. No significant effect on health

The correct answer is: Potential for infections due to white blood cell loss

Receiving a dose of 200 to 400 REM (Roentgen Equivalent Man) significantly impacts the body's health, primarily due to the effects on white blood cells. This level of radiation exposure can lead to a depletion of rapidly dividing cells, such as the white blood cells in the bone marrow, which are crucial for the immune response. As white blood cells (leukocytes) are vital for fighting infections, their loss increases the individual's susceptibility to infections. This can manifest as a decrease in the body's ability to combat pathogens, thereby leading to potential complications. The risk of infection is serious, as the immune system becomes compromised and unable to respond effectively to bacterial or viral invaders. While other effects may also occur at this level of exposure, such as minor changes in blood cells or some immediate physiological symptoms, the most significant and concerning consequence is the increased risk of infections due to the loss of white blood cells. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the critical connection between radiation exposure and immune function.