In a simulation, which statement accurately describes the student's process?

• A. The student performs the examination on a live subject (not a patient) and exposes the area to produce a radiograph.
• B. The student shall perform the examination on a live subject (not a patient) and simulate the exposure. A radiograph of the area in question shall be used in the image performance section of the evaluation sheet. The student shall critique the image. The minimum acceptable grade is 85%.
• C. The simulation is optional and graded on a pass/fail basis.
• D. The student completes only theoretical tasks with no radiographic practice.

Answer: (B)

In simulations, you practice the procedure on a live subject who is not a patient, and you treat the exercise as a controlled practice rather than a full clinical exam. The key is to perform the examination while simulating the exposure, then use the actual radiograph produced as part of the performance evaluation. You also have to critique the image yourself, demonstrating your ability to evaluate technique, image quality, positioning, and safety. A defined minimum grade, such as 85%, ensures you meet a baseline level of competency before progressing.

This matches the described process: you work with a live subject (not a patient), you simulate the exposure, you use the radiograph in the evaluation, you critique the image, and you’re required to meet a minimum acceptable grade. The other options don’t fit this structure: one implies performing a real exposure on a live subject without the simulation framework, another suggests the simulation is optional and pass/fail, and another limits you to theoretical work with no radiographic practice.