CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is a necessary accommodation for patients with cervical trauma during imaging?

1. Allowing them to reposition themselves

2. Using higher exposure factors

3. Keeping them in an immobilization device

4. Positioning the tube instead of the patient

The correct answer is: Keeping them in an immobilization device

For patients with cervical trauma, keeping them in an immobilization device is essential to prevent any movement that could exacerbate their injury. Cervical trauma can involve instability of the vertebrae, which may lead to further injury or complications if the patient moves during imaging. Immobilization helps ensure the patient's safety and provides a stable environment for accurate imaging. In such scenarios, it’s critical to minimize any external movement or manipulation that could result in further damage to the cervical spine. This is particularly important during procedures such as X-rays or CT scans, where precise imaging is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. The other options might not provide the necessary care for a patient with cervical injury: allowing patients to reposition themselves could lead to unwanted movement; using higher exposure factors isn't a necessary accommodation for safety concerning trauma; and relying solely on positioning the tube instead of the patient may not always be feasible depending on the specific imaging technique and the patient's condition.