Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

Who is primarily responsible for informing a patient about the reason for an X-ray?

1. You as an assistant

2. The attending nurse

3. The Doctor

4. Medical staff in general

The correct answer is: The Doctor

The primary responsibility for informing a patient about the reason for an X-ray lies with the doctor. This is due to the doctor's role in providing comprehensive patient care, which includes explaining procedures, diagnoses, and treatment plans. A doctor has the necessary medical knowledge to discuss the implications, risks, and benefits of the X-ray, ensuring that the patient understands why it is being ordered and what to expect. The attending nurse and assistants may provide supportive information about the procedure, such as how to prepare for it or what will happen during the process, but they typically do not have the authority or expertise to discuss the specific medical rationale behind the X-ray. Medical staff in general might be involved in administering or assisting with the procedure, but it is ultimately the physician’s responsibility to communicate the medical necessity and context of the X-ray to the patient.