CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Where does the greatest source of scatter radiation occur?

1. At the tabletop

2. From the patient

3. At the x-ray tube

4. In the grid

The correct answer is: From the patient

The greatest source of scatter radiation occurs from the patient. When x-rays interact with the body's tissues, they can be deflected in various directions, resulting in scatter radiation. This is particularly significant during radiographic imaging, as a considerable amount of x-ray photons are absorbed, while others are scattered away from the primary beam. The amount of scatter generated depends on factors such as the patient's size, the composition of the tissues being imaged, and the energy of the x-rays. Understanding that the patient is the primary source of scatter helps radiographers implement effective shielding and techniques to minimize unnecessary exposure to both patients and staff. The other options, while related to radiation in some manner, do not contribute as significantly to scatter radiation as the patient. The tabletop can absorb some radiation but is not a significant source of scatter. The x-ray tube emits radiation but is responsible for the primary beam rather than scatter. Grids are used to absorb scatter radiation in order to enhance image quality, but they do not produce scatter themselves.