Radiologic Technologist Practice Exam

What is a short-term somatic effect of radiation exposure?

1. Cataract formation

2. Skin erythema

3. Leukemia

4. Hereditary alteration

The correct answer is: Skin erythema

The correct answer, skin erythema, is considered a short-term somatic effect of radiation exposure because it occurs relatively quickly following exposure to high levels of radiation. Skin erythema refers to redness of the skin, much like a sunburn, and is a direct response of skin tissues to radiation damage. Short-term effects like skin erythema result from immediate cellular response to radiation injury, typically manifesting within hours to days after exposure. This effect arises because the epidermal cells are acutely sensitive to radiation, leading to inflammatory responses that cause the skin to become red and inflamed. In contrast, cataract formation and leukemia are long-term effects. Cataracts usually develop over a prolonged period after exposure and require significant doses of radiation for their onset. Leukemia is also a late effect that may take years or even decades to manifest as it involves changes at the cellular level leading to cancer. Hereditary alterations refer to genetic changes that may affect future generations, which is a different category of risks associated with radiation exposure, often linked to long-term effects rather than immediate responses.