Radiation safety and radiobiology: skin decontamination: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Radiation safety and radiobiology: skin decontamination

Sample item

A nuclear medicine technologist spills a liquid radiopharmaceutical on her forearm. After removing contaminated clothing, what is the next step?

AScrub vigorously with a stiff brush and strong alkaliBCover the area with a lead sheet and leave itCApply an iodine-based antiseptic and waitDWash gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasion

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Wash gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasion

Skin contamination is removed by gentle washing with lukewarm water and mild soap, monitoring afterwards. Abrasive scrubbing damages the skin and drives activity into it, and shielding or antiseptics do not remove the contaminant.

Option by option

A. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush and strong alkali
Harsh scrubbing abrades the skin and increases absorption of the contaminant.
B. Cover the area with a lead sheet and leave it
Lead shielding reduces exposure but leaves the contamination in contact with the skin.
C. Apply an iodine-based antiseptic and wait
An antiseptic does not remove radioactive material.
D. Wash gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasion (correct)
Correct. Gentle washing removes contamination without damaging the skin.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is D, Wash gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasion. Skin contamination is removed by gentle washing with lukewarm water and mild soap, monitoring afterwards.

Why is "Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush and strong alkali" not the answer?

Harsh scrubbing abrades the skin and increases absorption of the contaminant.

Why is "Cover the area with a lead sheet and leave it" not the answer?

Lead shielding reduces exposure but leaves the contamination in contact with the skin.

Why is "Apply an iodine-based antiseptic and wait" not the answer?

An antiseptic does not remove radioactive material.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiation safety and radiobiology: skin decontamination in Radiology. Abrasive scrubbing damages the skin and drives activity into it, and shielding or antiseptics do not remove the contaminant.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Radiation safety and radiobiology: skin decontamination?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.