Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What material is commonly used to line the walls of an x-ray room for protection?

1. Plastic

2. Lead

3. Glass

4. Aluminum

The correct answer is: Lead

The material most commonly used to line the walls of an x-ray room for protection is lead. Lead is effective at shielding against radiation due to its dense atomic structure, which can absorb and attenuate x-rays. This protective measure is essential in medical facilities to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers who may be exposed to radiation during x-ray procedures. Other materials like plastic, glass, and aluminum do not offer the same level of protection against radiation. While they may provide some degree of shielding, they are not sufficient to block the penetrating power of x-rays effectively. Therefore, lead remains the standard and preferred choice for creating barriers in radiology departments to minimize harmful exposure.