NURS 3102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 72.4: Triage, Complete Blood Count, Radiography
3 Feb 2017
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When an element is radioactive, there is an imbalance in the nucleus resulting from an excess of neutrons. A thin layer of paper or clothing is all that is necessary to protect the skin from alpha radiation. However, this low-level radiation can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or injection (open wound). Beta particles have the ability to moderately penetrate the skin to the layer in which skin cells are being produced. This high-energy radiation can cause skin damage if the skin is exposed for a prolonged period and can cause injury if beta particles become internal by penetrating the skin. Gamma radiation is a short-wavelength electromagnetic energy that is emitted when there is excess core nucleus energy. Therefore, it is dif cult to shield against gamma radiation. This type of radiation often accompanies both alpha and beta particle emissions. Exposure is affected by time, distance, and shielding.
