Final answer:
An X-ray is crucial for detecting the location and assessing the damage caused by a swallowed button battery in children, which can cause severe internal burns and life-threatening injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
An X-ray is necessary for a pediatric ingestion that may be a button battery because button cells can cause severe internal burns and significant injury or death if swallowed. The high energy and short wavelength of X-rays allow them to penetrate solid objects and effectively image different densities within the body.
An X-ray can identify the location of the button battery, assess the potential damage, and assist medical professionals in determining the urgency and type of intervention required. The use of X-rays for such diagnostic purposes is particularly important due to the serious health risks posed by ingested button batteries to small children.