Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What is likely to occur with an acute dose of radiation below 100 REM?

1. Immediate nausea and vomiting

2. No detectable symptoms in a routine examination

3. Death within a week without treatment

4. Severe damage to the immune system

The correct answer is: No detectable symptoms in a routine examination

An acute dose of radiation below 100 REM is generally considered to be within a range where typical individuals would not experience any immediate health effects or symptoms related to radiation exposure. At this level, the body's repair mechanisms are usually effective at addressing the physiological changes caused by such a low dose of radiation. For most people, no detectable symptoms would be present during a routine examination, as the radiation dose is not sufficient to cause significant cellular damage or disrupt bodily functions to a level that could lead to observable health issues. This aspect is crucial because it emphasizes the concept of threshold doses in radiation safety; lower doses might not surpass the threshold at which damage becomes evident. Other options involve potential symptoms or consequences associated with higher radiation exposures. Immediate nausea and vomiting, for instance, typically occur at doses exceeding 100 REM, while severe damage to the immune system and death within a week without treatment are associated with even higher doses. Understanding these ranges helps clarify the potential risks associated with varying levels of radiation exposure.