A female patient is brought to the emergency department (ED)because of a MVA (motor vehicle accident).Her chief complaint is pain in the lower lumbar region.The ED physician orders a lumbar series.Upon questioning,the technologist learns that the patient is pregnant.The ED physician is made aware of the pregnancy but still wants the lumbar spine series performed.What can the technologist do to minimize dose to the fetus and mother?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using a higher kV will reduce dose to the patient and the fetus. Reducing the mAs will also reduce dose. Using the smallest IR possible will limit the amount of scatter radiation around the patient, thus reducing dose to the fetus. Collimating as much as feasible will limit the amount of radiation exposure to the fetus. Therefore, all of these measures should be used together to minimize dose to the fetus and mother.

A Female Patient Is Brought to the Emergency Department (ED)because