Patient preparation
Ensure that the room is an adequate temperature for the infant. Ascertain mother’s pregnancy status prior to exam. Have the parent COMPLETELY undress the infant. Be sure to remove diapers, safety pins and clothing containing snaps. The infant should be completely free of clothing.
Careful explanation
First, carefully explain to the parents what you are going to do BEFORE you position and immobilize. This explanation will aid in alleviating any parent apprehension or anxiety and will ensure that the exam is completed in a timely manner.
Preparation for the exposure
Place a plastic “chuck” on the table with sandbags on either side of the patient. Enlist the help of the mother or other person of legal age to aid in immobilization. Gently place the infant on the x-ray table. Immobilize each arm with a sandbag (as shown). Have the mother or helper stand on the opposite side of the x-ray table and firmly push on the infant’s knees to immobilize the legs and to minimize motion. Technical factors should be adjusted to produce the shortest exposure time and the radiographer should prep the rotor and expose the radiograph when motion is at its minimum.
Ensure that the room is an adequate temperature for the infant. Ascertain mother’s pregnancy status prior to exam. Have the parent COMPLETELY undress the infant. Be sure to remove diapers, safety pins and clothing containing snaps. The infant should be completely free of clothing.
Careful explanation
First, carefully explain to the parents what you are going to do BEFORE you position and immobilize. This explanation will aid in alleviating any parent apprehension or anxiety and will ensure that the exam is completed in a timely manner.
Preparation for the exposure
Place a plastic “chuck” on the table with sandbags on either side of the patient. Enlist the help of the mother or other person of legal age to aid in immobilization. Gently place the infant on the x-ray table. Immobilize each arm with a sandbag (as shown). Have the mother or helper stand on the opposite side of the x-ray table and firmly push on the infant’s knees to immobilize the legs and to minimize motion. Technical factors should be adjusted to produce the shortest exposure time and the radiographer should prep the rotor and expose the radiograph when motion is at its minimum.