During X-ray imaging, how can the healthcare provider reduce radiation exposure to other patients and staff in the vicinity?

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.

Explaining the procedure in simple and age-appropriate language is important when caring for pediatric clients. Describing the need to stay still for the X-ray helps reduce anxiety and fear.

a. "You will be put to sleep during the procedure." This choice is incorrect because sedation or anesthesia is typically not required for a standard X-ray procedure.

c. "You will need to drink a special liquid before the procedure." This choice is incorrect because drinking a special liquid (contrast dye) before the procedure is more common for certain types of X-ray exams, such as those involving the digestive system.

d. "You will need to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown." This choice is incorrect because wearing a hospital gown is not always necessary for an X-ray procedure. It depends on the area of the body being imaged and the specific instructions provided.