Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What kind of exposure occurs through a puncture wound or open cut in the skin?

1. Ingestion

2. Inhalation

3. Injection

4. Absorption

The correct answer is: Injection

Exposure through a puncture wound or open cut in the skin is classified as injection. This occurs when a substance, such as a radioactive material or a chemical, enters the body directly through the skin barrier. The key factor in this type of exposure is that the substance is introduced into the body’s circulatory system or tissues, bypassing other routes of exposure like ingestion or inhalation. In the case of injections, the entry point can lead to more immediate and localized effects, as the substance can directly target tissues or organs without the delays associated with the digestive or respiratory systems. This route is particularly significant in radiation safety because certain radioactive materials can be more hazardous when injected, as they may directly enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body more rapidly than through other means. Understanding the mechanism of injection is crucial for appropriate safety measures, as first aid for puncture wounds or cuts with potential radioactive substances must be carefully handled to minimize exposure and protect both the individual and responders.