Which population should NEVER hold patients during a radiographic exam?

• A. Children
• B. Elderly
• C. Healthy adults
• D. Pregnant or occupationally pregnant women

Answer: (D)

The safety concern here is protecting a developing fetus from ionizing radiation. The developing fetus is highly sensitive to radiation, and exposure—even from scatter radiation during a radiographic exam—can pose risks to the pregnancy. Because of this, pregnant women should not hold a patient during imaging. The same logic applies to women who are occupationally exposed to radiation in the workplace; if there is potential fetal exposure, they should not take on a holding role. Instead, use immobilization devices or have a nonpregnant, non-occupational adult assist, or postpone the exam if needed. Other groups do not carry the same fetal risk, so they can assist with immobilization when appropriate and safety measures (like shielding and careful beam direction) are in place.