In ensuring patient safety, which action would be inappropriate and should be avoided?

In ensuring patient safety, which action would be inappropriate and should be avoided?

• A. Using shielding when appropriate
• B. Collimating to the area of interest
• C. Repeating radiographs without justification
• D. Using proper technique charts

Answer: (C)

Minimizing radiation exposure is the driving goal, achieved by adhering to justification and optimization. Shielding when appropriate protects radiosensitive tissues; collimating to the area of interest confines the beam and reduces patient dose; using proper technique charts helps maintain correct exposure factors so a repeat is unlikely. Repeating radiographs without justification directly contradicts ALARA and increases the patient’s cumulative dose without adding diagnostic value, so it should be avoided. If a repeat is ever needed, it must be clinically justified and performed with careful optimization.

Minimizing radiation exposure is the driving goal, achieved by adhering to justification and optimization. Shielding when appropriate protects radiosensitive tissues; collimating to the area of interest confines the beam and reduces patient dose; using proper technique charts helps maintain correct exposure factors so a repeat is unlikely. Repeating radiographs without justification directly contradicts ALARA and increases the patient’s cumulative dose without adding diagnostic value, so it should be avoided. If a repeat is ever needed, it must be clinically justified and performed with careful optimization.