TheoryNuclear Medicine Study Guide
Study for the Nuclear Medicine with exam topics, practice questions, a free PDF, video walkthrough and timed mock exam links.
How to study for Nuclear Medicine
- Read the topic list so you know what the exam is likely to cover.
- Answer the free practice questions and read every explanation.
- Download the PDF for offline review.
- Use timed mock exams when your untimed practice feels comfortable.
Topics to review
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial and physiological integrity
- Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
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Q1Which detector type is most commonly used in a gamma camera?
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✓ Correct answer: Sodium iodide thallium-activated [NaI(Tl)]
NaI(Tl) crystals are the standard detector in Anger gamma cameras because of their high light output at 140 keV (the primary energy used in nuclear medicine) and well-established manufacturing. Semiconductor detectors like CZT are used in dedicated cardiac cameras but not the primary gamma camera platform.
Q2A parallel-hole collimator is used for a bone scan. What is the primary advantage of this collimator type?
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✓ Correct answer: Maintains image size independent of source-to-collimator distance
Parallel-hole collimators produce an image that is the same size as the object regardless of distance, making them ideal for whole-body imaging. Converging collimators magnify, diverging collimators minify, and pinhole collimators magnify only small fields of view.
Q3A NaI(Tl) gamma camera has a measured photopeak FWHM of 21 keV at 140 keV. What is the percent energy resolution?
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✓ Correct answer: 15.0%
Percent energy resolution = (FWHM / photopeak energy) × 100 = (21 / 140) × 100 = 15%. Typical NaI(Tl) cameras achieve 9–12% at 140 keV; 15% indicates some degradation but is still within broad acceptance limits.
Q4Intrinsic spatial resolution of a gamma camera is measured WITHOUT the collimator. Which factor most directly degrades intrinsic resolution?
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✓ Correct answer: Statistical spread of light photons in the crystal
Intrinsic resolution is limited primarily by the statistical spread of scintillation photons within the NaI crystal, which creates uncertainty in locating the interaction. PMT diameter and electronics also contribute, but the photon statistics in the crystal are the dominant factor for intrinsic resolution.
Q5For imaging high-energy photons (e.g., 364 keV from I-131), which collimator is required?
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✓ Correct answer: High-energy general purpose (HEGP)
I-131 emits 364 keV photons, which require thick septa to prevent penetration. High-energy general purpose (HEGP) collimators have thick lead septa designed for photon energies above ~300 keV. LEHR is for Tc-99m (140 keV) only.
Q6What is the primary function of the photomultiplier tube (PMT) in a gamma camera?
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✓ Correct answer: Convert light photons from the scintillator into an amplified electrical signal
PMTs detect the faint light (scintillation photons) produced when gamma rays interact in the NaI(Tl) crystal and amplify that light via successive dynode stages into a measurable electrical pulse. Position determination uses the relative outputs of multiple PMTs (Anger logic).
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