What breathing instruction is typically given to the patient during the lateral lumbar view?

For a lateral lumbar view, the instruction given to the patient is generally to hold their breath after inhaling. This is important because holding the breath helps to minimize motion that may blur the image, thereby increasing the clarity and accuracy of the radiograph. When the patient holds their breath, the diaphragm is elevated, which stabilizes the abdominal organs and reduces the potential for movement that could distort the imaging of the lumbar spine.

Instructing the patient to "breathe in, breathe out, and hold" specifically prepares them to take a deep breath, which fills the lungs and creates a stable and clear backdrop for the radiographic image. This process also facilitates improved visualization of the structures being examined, as it can help to distinguish between the lungs and the lumbar spine. The other options may not effectively achieve the desired stability during exposure.