Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

To whom does the annual radiation dose limit of 5 REM apply?

1. Radiation Safety Officers

2. Whole body exposure

3. Cardiovascular staff

4. All hospital employees

The correct answer is: Whole body exposure

The annual radiation dose limit of 5 REM is specifically designated for whole body exposure to ionizing radiation in occupational settings. This limit is set by regulatory agencies to protect workers from harmful effects of radiation while ensuring that necessary practices requiring radiation exposure can be conducted safely. Whole body exposure signifies the limit is applicable to the total radiation absorbed by the entire body rather than just specific organs or parts. For individuals working in environments where radiation is present, such as healthcare settings with diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy, adhering to this limit is crucial for minimizing health risks over time. The other options may refer to specific groups or roles that work with radiation but do not encapsulate the broader context of radiation exposure, which is why they are not accurate in this context.