Which statement is correct regarding holding patients for radiographic exams?

Which statement is correct regarding holding patients for radiographic exams?

• A. May be performed using a student radiographer to hold because students are not exposed as often as staff radiographers
• B. Should be done only when absolutely necessary, and then the holding should be done by a competent radiographer so that a repeat will not be needed
• C. Should be done only when absolutely necessary, and then the holding should be done by a nonpregnant member of the patient's family
• D. May be performed routinely to obtain a diagnostic exam

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to minimize who is in the room holding a patient and to use immobilization only when absolutely necessary, because extra people in the procedure area increase scatter exposure and the need for repeats. If a hold is required to obtain a clear image, the person doing the holding should be a competent radiographer who can immobilize the patient correctly and maintain precise positioning. This helps ensure the exam is done right the first time, reducing the chance of a repeat and therefore lowering the overall radiation dose to everyone. Using a student radiographer or a nontrained family member as the holder is not appropriate, since they may not immobilize correctly and can expose themselves and others to unnecessary scatter radiation. Holding should never be routine; it’s reserved for situations where delaying the exam to get the patient still would compromise the diagnostic quality.

The main idea is to minimize who is in the room holding a patient and to use immobilization only when absolutely necessary, because extra people in the procedure area increase scatter exposure and the need for repeats. If a hold is required to obtain a clear image, the person doing the holding should be a competent radiographer who can immobilize the patient correctly and maintain precise positioning. This helps ensure the exam is done right the first time, reducing the chance of a repeat and therefore lowering the overall radiation dose to everyone.

Using a student radiographer or a nontrained family member as the holder is not appropriate, since they may not immobilize correctly and can expose themselves and others to unnecessary scatter radiation. Holding should never be routine; it’s reserved for situations where delaying the exam to get the patient still would compromise the diagnostic quality.