CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the recommended breathing technique during a Soft tissue neck examination?

1. Rapid expiration

2. Controlled pause

3. Slow inspiration

4. Fast inhalation

The correct answer is: Slow inspiration

During a soft tissue neck examination, the recommended breathing technique is a controlled pause. This method is utilized to minimize motion during the exposure, which is critical in ensuring clear images of the neck's soft tissues and airways. A controlled pause allows the patient to hold their breath at the appropriate moment, reducing any potential blurring caused by breathing or movement. Choosing this technique is particularly important because the anatomy of the neck includes structures that are closely packed and can be easily obscured by motion. By instructing the patient to pause their breathing, radiographers can capture more precise details in the imaging results, aiding in accurate diagnosis. In contrast, other techniques such as rapid expiration or fast inhalation could lead to movement artifacts that compromise image quality. Slow inspiration may not provide the necessary stability during the crucial moment of exposure, as the patient’s body may still be in motion during the breathing cycle. Thus, the controlled pause effectively balances the need for patient comfort with the requirement for high-quality imaging in soft tissue evaluations.