Y63.3: Inadvertent exposure of patient to radiation during medical care

Inadvertent exposure of patient to radiation during medical care refers to a scenario where a patient unintentionally receives exposure to radiation as a result of a medical process. This means the individual gets exposed to more radiation than is necessary or planned. Various medical procedures use radiation, like X-rays and CT scans. However, sometimes due to factors such as equipment malfunction, human error, or miscommunication, the patient might be exposed to excessive amounts of radiation. This could potentially bring about harmful effects, as overexposure to radiation can be dangerous. Symptoms of radiation exposure may not be immediately evident; they can range from mild symptoms like feeling tired or nauseous, to severe symptoms such as burns, hair loss, and even cancer in certain cases. The severity largely hinges on the extent of radiation exposure. This condition does not progress as it usually is a one-time event, but ongoing monitoring may be required for patients exposed to significant amounts of radiation.