Identify one potential risk of radiation exposure to patients.

One potential risk of radiation exposure to patients is the increased risk of developing cancer. This is a well-documented concern in the field of radiologic technology and medical imaging. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause damage to DNA within cells. If this damage occurs in a manner that allows it to proliferate—such as mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth—it can result in cancer development over time.

The relationship between radiation exposure and cancer risk is dose-dependent, meaning that higher levels of exposure typically correlate with a greater likelihood of developing cancer. This is why radiation doses are carefully calculated and minimized in medical settings. The medical community takes these risks seriously, emphasizing the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) in all procedures involving radiation.

In contrast, factors such as immediate fatigue, resistance to medication, and loss of appetite are not recognized as direct or immediate risks associated specifically with radiation exposure in standard medical imaging contexts. While these symptoms can occur due to various health conditions or treatment effects, they do not have the same established link to radiation exposure as the risk of cancer does.