Which of the following is NOT a correct instruction for a patient during an APOM procedure?

During an anterior-posterior open mouth (APOM) procedure, the primary focus is on obtaining a clear radiographic image of the upper cervical spine and the atlantoaxial joint. The instructions given to the patient are crucial for achieving a high-quality image and minimizing movement.

The instruction to "swallow to adjust positioning" is incorrect because swallowing can cause transient motion, which can blur the image. Instead, the patient should be instructed to remain still and hold their breath during exposure to avoid any changes in positioning or movement caused by involuntary actions like swallowing. This helps ensure that the anatomical structures are captured clearly and accurately on the radiograph.

In contrast, remaining still and holding the breath are correct instructions as they prevent motion artifacts. Advising the patient not to swallow aligns with the goal of maintaining a stable position during imaging, further supporting the reason why the instruction to swallow is not appropriate.