A female patient under 16 is having a lumbar spine X-ray. The parent wants to stay in the room. What should you do?

A female patient under 16 is having a lumbar spine X-ray. The parent wants to stay in the room. What should you do?

• A. Explain there is risk of radiation and there is no clinical reason for them to be in the room, so they cannot.
• B. The parent can stay since it's a minor.
• C. They should be in the room but with PPE.
• D. They can stay if the patient wants.

Answer: (A)

This question centers on protecting people from radiation and using people only when necessary for the procedure. In an X‑ray, only those essential to obtaining the image should be in the room during exposure. A parent is not required for a lumbar spine exam, and their presence would expose them to scatter radiation without providing a clinical benefit for the imaging. Therefore, you should explain that there is a radiation risk and there is no clinical reason for them to stay in the room during the exposure; they should wait outside or behind shielding. The child can be comforted before and after the exam, and the radiography team will ensure the image is obtained safely and with the patient’s comfort in mind.

This question centers on protecting people from radiation and using people only when necessary for the procedure. In an X‑ray, only those essential to obtaining the image should be in the room during exposure. A parent is not required for a lumbar spine exam, and their presence would expose them to scatter radiation without providing a clinical benefit for the imaging. Therefore, you should explain that there is a radiation risk and there is no clinical reason for them to stay in the room during the exposure; they should wait outside or behind shielding. The child can be comforted before and after the exam, and the radiography team will ensure the image is obtained safely and with the patient’s comfort in mind.