When performing X-ray imaging on pediatric patients, which consideration is essential to minimize radiation exposure?

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.

The nurse should instruct the patient to remain as still as possible without movement during the X-ray imaging procedure to ensure clear and accurate images.

a. While taking slow and deep breaths may be helpful in reducing motion artifacts for some imaging procedures, it is not necessary for X-ray imaging as the procedure is typically brief.

c. Coughing or clearing the throat during the X-ray procedure is not recommended, as it can lead to motion artifacts and compromise the quality of the images.

d. Requesting to see the X-ray images immediately after the procedure is not a standard practice, as the X-ray images need to be reviewed and interpreted by a qualified radiologist or healthcare provider before sharing with the patient.