DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

When are cotton rolls and other devices typically used in radiographic techniques?

1. To stabilize the film

2. To assist in patient alignment

3. For minimizing exposure times

4. For enhancing image quality

The correct answer is: To stabilize the film

Cotton rolls and other devices are typically used to stabilize the film during radiographic procedures. The stabilization is important because it helps to maintain the proper position of the film relative to the area being radiographed, ensuring that the images produced are clear and accurate. When film is not properly stabilized, it can move during exposure, resulting in poor-quality images that may require retaking, thus increasing patient exposure to radiation unnecessarily. While assisting in patient alignment, minimizing exposure times, and enhancing image quality are all important aspects of radiographic techniques, they do not specifically pertain to the primary function of cotton rolls and similar devices. Cotton rolls help maintain a fixed position for the film, which directly contributes to obtaining high-quality radiographs.