What are the potential physical risks associated with diagnostic tests?

The potential physical risks associated with diagnostic tests primarily include infection and radiation exposure, which aligns with the correct choice.

Infection can occur when invasive procedures such as blood draws, biopsies, or the insertion of catheters are performed. These procedures can introduce pathogens into the body, particularly if sterile techniques are not strictly adhered to. The risk of infection varies depending on the type of procedure and the patient's overall health.

Radiation exposure is another significant concern, especially with imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and certain nuclear medicine procedures. These tests use ionizing radiation, which can lead to increased risks of cancer and other health issues if exposure levels are not carefully monitored.

Understanding these potential risks emphasizes the importance of weighing the benefits of diagnostic testing against the risks involved, which is crucial for patient safety and informed decision-making. Other considerations, such as financial costs, patient dissatisfaction, time delays, and scheduling conflicts, while important in the broader context of healthcare, do not constitute physical risks to the patient’s health during the diagnostic process.