American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) Practice Exam

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Which condition is a short-term somatic effect of radiation exposure?

Cataract formation
Skin erythema
Leukemia
Hereditary alteration

The correct answer is: Skin erythema

Skin erythema is classified as a short-term somatic effect of radiation exposure because it manifests relatively soon after exposure to a significant dose of radiation, typically within hours to days. Skin erythema occurs due to the radiation damaging skin cells, leading to inflammation and reddening of the skin, akin to a sunburn. In contrast, cataract formation is a delayed effect that may develop years after exposure, as it pertains to changes in the crystalline lens of the eye over time. Leukemia is a long-term somatic effect that can emerge years after exposure, reflecting the latency period associated with certain cancers, and hereditary alterations involve DNA changes that can be transmitted to descendants, also taking longer to present effects. Therefore, skin erythema stands out as the immediate, short-term consequence of radiation exposure.