Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

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Which unit is defined as an absorbed ionizing radiation dose equal to 100 ergs absorbed per gram?

  1. Radiation absorbed dose (rad)

  2. Pathology

  3. Cytology

  4. Serology

The correct answer is: Radiation absorbed dose (rad)

The unit defined as an absorbed ionizing radiation dose equal to 100 ergs absorbed per gram is known as the Radiation Absorbed Dose, commonly abbreviated as rad. This measurement is a crucial concept in radiation safety and health physics, as it quantifies the amount of energy deposited by radiation in a given mass of material, typically biological tissue. The significance of the rad unit lies in its role in assessing potential biological effects of radiation exposure. By providing a specific measure of energy absorption, it helps healthcare professionals and safety experts evaluate risk levels and implement protective measures appropriately. In contrast, the other options relate to entirely different fields of study. Pathology focuses on the study of diseases and their effects on the body, cytology involves examining cells for abnormalities, and serology examines blood serum for antibodies and other substances. None of these fields pertain to the measurement of radiation exposure or its effects on human health. Thus, in the context of the question, rad is the correct and relevant term associated with absorbed radiation doses.