During an X-ray exposure, the tube malfunctions and radiation continues to emit, exposing the patient. What is your first action?

During an X-ray exposure, the tube malfunctions and radiation continues to emit, exposing the patient. What is your first action?

• A. Hit the emergency stop button
• B. Note the dose that was recorded
• C. Apologise to the patient
• D. Explain the risks of ionising radiation to the patient

Answer: (A)

When a malfunction causes radiation to continue during exposure, the immediate priority is to stop the radiation at the source. Pressing the emergency stop button instantly cuts power to the X-ray tube, halting emission and preventing further dose to the patient and staff. Time matters because every moment of continued exposure adds to the dose. After the beam is stopped, you would move on to safety steps and incident management—check the patient and surrounding shielding, notify the radiology supervisor, and document the incident for quality assurance. The option to note the dose recorded does not reduce exposure, and while apologizing or explaining risks to the patient are appropriate communications, they do not address the immediate hazard of ongoing emission.

When a malfunction causes radiation to continue during exposure, the immediate priority is to stop the radiation at the source. Pressing the emergency stop button instantly cuts power to the X-ray tube, halting emission and preventing further dose to the patient and staff. Time matters because every moment of continued exposure adds to the dose.

After the beam is stopped, you would move on to safety steps and incident management—check the patient and surrounding shielding, notify the radiology supervisor, and document the incident for quality assurance. The option to note the dose recorded does not reduce exposure, and while apologizing or explaining risks to the patient are appropriate communications, they do not address the immediate hazard of ongoing emission.