Question

Your next patient is a 37-year-old woman who is new to the practice. She is scheduled today for a series of radiographs, but she appears apprehensive, asking a lot of questions and making nervous statements. How would you respond to her questions and statements?

Answer 1

Address the 37-year-old woman's apprehensiveness towards radiographs by providing clear and empathetic explanations, reassurance about the safety and purpose of the procedure, and professional and friendly interactions to ease her concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

Responding to a 37-year-old woman who demonstrates apprehensiveness about radiographs involves providing reassurance and detailed information about the procedure. You should address her concerns by explaining what radiographs are, the reasons they are necessary, and what she can expect during the process. Clarifying that radiographs are a common diagnostic tool that can help detect abnormalities in the body, such as the cavities and opacities found in another patient's lungs described in the Clinical Focus, can also be comforting. It's important to maintain a professional yet friendly demeanor, acknowledge her feelings, and be patient in answering all her questions. If the patient requires additional tests, like the woman with crepitation in her lungs leading to a chest radiograph, a sputum sample for microbiological evaluation, and cytology, you should explain the purpose of these tests and how they contribute to a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.