What specific instruction is NOT part of the patient instructions for a lateral cervical X-ray?

In the context of performing a lateral cervical X-ray, the instruction to "swallow if necessary" is not typically included in the patient instructions. This instruction would not be relevant to the procedure, as swallowing can introduce motion and potentially obscure the images that are being taken.

Patients are generally instructed to remain still and hold their breath during the exposure to minimize motion artifact and ensure that clear images are obtained. The instruction to not swallow aligns with the need for stability, as movement of the throat and neck could disrupt the X-ray capture, leading to compromised image quality.

This specific focus on remaining still and holding their breath helps to provide the clearest possible representation of the cervical spine for diagnostic purposes. By omitting any instructions related to swallowing, healthcare providers can better ensure that patient movements are minimized during the X-ray process.