Which of the following is not considered a short-term somatic effect of radiation?

Cataracts are classified as long-term somatic effects of radiation exposure rather than short-term effects. Short-term somatic effects are typically immediate reactions that occur shortly after exposure to radiation, usually due to high doses over a brief period. These effects include symptoms like nausea, skin erythema (redness of the skin), and fatigue which arise from acute exposure to radiation.

In contrast, cataracts develop over time as a result of cumulative radiation exposure, often taking years to manifest. This long latency period distinguishes cataracts from the immediate responses characterized by short-term effects. Understanding the timing and nature of these various radiation effects is crucial for radiologic technologists as they assess and manage patient safety in imaging practices.