After the administration of 99mTc pentetate aerosol with a face mask, radioactive contamination is likely to be found in all of the following areas except:

When considering the administration of 99mTc pentetate aerosol via a face mask, it is essential to understand how aerosolized agents are typically distributed and where contamination can occur.

When the aerosol is inhaled or exhaled by the patient, some of the radioactive material can settle around the area of administration and the patient. This includes the patient's mouth, chest, and any surfaces in close proximity, such as the floor where the aerosol may have been released.

The technologist's hands are less likely to be contaminated for a few reasons. Typically, technologists should use gloves during the administration process, which helps prevent contamination from aerosolized particles. Even if gloves are not used, the design of the face mask and the method of administration minimizes the amount of radioactive material that escapes outside the immediate vicinity of the patient, limiting exposure to the technologist.

Thus, the correct response aligns with understanding the dynamics of how aerosols behave and where contamination is most likely to occur after administration, reinforcing the idea that the technologist's hands would not be a primary area for contamination compared to other places around the patient.