Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What are common signs and symptoms of radiation sickness?

1. Nausea and vomiting

2. Hair loss and skin burns

3. Severe headaches and blurred vision

4. Fever and chills

The correct answer is: Hair loss and skin burns

Radiation sickness, also known as acute radiation syndrome, occurs following significant exposure to ionizing radiation and is characterized by a range of symptoms that vary with the dose and duration of exposure. The common signs and symptoms include hair loss and skin burns, which occur due to the damaging effects of radiation on rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in hair follicles and the skin. Hair loss, or alopecia, can happen within weeks of exposure as the hair follicles become damaged and stop producing hair. Skin burns, including radiation dermatitis, develop from the radiation's influence on skin tissues, which can lead to redness, blistering, and peeling as the cells are affected. These manifestations are related to the direct impact of radiation on cellular structures and biological processes, making them hallmark symptoms of radiation sickness. While nausea and vomiting, severe headaches and blurred vision, and fever and chills may relate to various medical conditions, they are not specifically definitive indicators of radiation sickness in the way that hair loss and skin burns are. These other symptoms can arise from other forms of trauma or illness, but hair loss and skin burns distinctly link to the effects of radiation exposure. Therefore, understanding the specific symptoms associated with radiation exposure is crucial for identifying and managing patients who may have been affected by