Before performing an X-ray on a pediatric patient, what safety measure should the healthcare provider consider?

Before an X-ray of the abdomen, it is crucial to inquire if the patient is pregnant or potentially pregnant, as ionizing radiation used in X-rays can be harmful to the developing fetus.

b. Fasting for at least 12 hours is not required for an abdominal X-ray, as it is a non-invasive procedure that does not require fasting.

c. Allergic to iodine or shellfish is not directly relevant to an abdominal X-ray, as iodine-based contrast agents are not typically used for this imaging modality.

d. Taking pain medications is not a specific concern for an abdominal X-ray unless there are specific instructions from the healthcare provider regarding medication use before the procedure.

Requesting others in the room to wear protective lead aprons is an effective way to reduce radiation exposure to other patients and staff in the vicinity of the X-ray procedure.

a. Keeping the X-ray room door open during the procedure can lead to increased radiation exposure to people outside the room. The door should be closed during X-ray imaging to minimize radiation scatter.

b. Placing the X-ray machine at a higher elevation does not affect radiation exposure to other patients and staff in the room. The proper use of protective lead aprons is more effective.

d. Increasing the number of X-ray images taken at one time does not reduce radiation exposure to others in the room. The number of images taken should be limited to those necessary for diagnostic purposes while minimizing radiation dose to all individuals present.