What safety measure should be taken before performing an x-ray on a patient?

Confirming that the patient is not pregnant is a crucial safety measure before performing an x-ray because exposure to ionizing radiation can pose significant risks to a developing fetus. Pregnant patients require careful consideration to minimize the potential for harm, as the radiation can lead to teratogenic effects, including developmental abnormalities and increased risk of cancer later in life for the child.

Implementing this safety measure helps ensure that the health and safety of both the patient and the fetus are prioritized. Medical professionals often require patients of childbearing age to confirm their pregnancy status, and, if there is any doubt, additional steps may involve using pregnancy tests or alternative imaging methods that do not involve radiation.

While it is also important to ensure that patients have not eaten in some cases (especially for certain diagnostic procedures) or to assess allergy history, these measures do not directly relate to radiation safety concerns that specifically affect potential pregnancy. Verifying that radiologic equipment is charged is a standard operational procedure and does not address patient safety in the context of radiation exposure.