A woman who is 3 months' pregnant has been in a motor vehicle accident.The emergency department physician suspects there is injury to her cervical spine and thus feels justified in ordering an x-ray examination to aid in determining the extent of the patient's injury.Because the patient is pregnant,the radiographer should
1)select the lowest exposure factors that will produce a diagnostically useful radiograph.
2)adequately and precisely collimate the radiographic beam to include only the anatomic area of interest.
3)shield the patient's lower abdomen and pelvic region with a suitable protective contact shield.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radiographing pregnant patients requires special attention to protection.The principle of ALARA always prevails,and in doing so,the exposed anatomy should be as small as clinically possible.Additionally contact shielding should be used by placing lead shielding material over the reproductive organs (gonads)of the patient whenever they are within 4 to 5 cm of the primary beam.

A Woman Who Is 3 Months' Pregnant Has Been in a Motor