CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What are the typical breathing instructions for most chest x-rays?

1. Suspend after the first inspiration

2. Suspend after the second inspiration

3. Suspend after expiration

4. Continuous breathing during the exposure

The correct answer is: Suspend after the second inspiration

For most chest x-rays, the typical breathing instruction is to suspend respiration after the second full inspiration. This technique is used to ensure that the lungs are fully inflated, providing the clearest possible view of the lung fields. Full inspiration expands the lungs and elevates the diaphragm, helping to reduce the density of the thoracic cavity and minimize any superimposition of structures. This is particularly important for capturing detailed images of the lungs and heart. By instructing the patient to take a full breath and hold it after the second inspiration, radiographers can obtain a diagnostic image that demonstrates the structures of interest without significant movement or blurring, which might occur if the exposure is taken during normal or shallow breathing. Additionally, taking the chest x-ray on full inspiration helps to differentiate between normal anatomical features and potential pathological findings within the thoracic cavity.