What instruction should be given to the patient for sacrum projections?

For sacrum projections, the correct instruction to the patient is to "take a deep breath in, breathe out, and HOLD." This approach helps to ensure that the sacrum is positioned properly and immobile during the exposure, which is crucial for obtaining a clear and accurate radiographic image.

Instructing the patient to hold their breath prevents involuntary movement that could result from regular breathing patterns, which might blur the image. Additionally, taking a deep breath before holding it can help the patient achieve a stable position and maintain appropriate diaphragm placement during radiography. This technique ultimately contributes to improving the diagnostic quality of the radiographs, allowing healthcare professionals to evaluate the sacrum effectively.

Other instructions, while they might promote patient comfort or awareness, do not focus specifically on achieving the best imaging results for sacrum projections. For example, simply lying down and relaxing does not emphasize the importance of breath control. Similarly, remaining still and breathing normally does not provide sufficient guidance for the specific technique required during the imaging process. Counting to ten may also distract from the necessary breath control needed for a successful sacrum projection.