What guidelines should a radiologic technologist follow when placing a gonadal shield for a female child during hip radiography?

The guideline for a radiologic technologist to follow when placing a gonadal shield for a female child during hip radiography is to use the trochanter as a guide for positioning. The greater trochanter, which is a prominent feature of the femur, is key in the proper placement of the shield because it helps ensure that the shield is positioned correctly to cover the gonads while still allowing for an optimal view of the hip joint and surrounding structures.

Placing the shield appropriately around the trochanters helps minimize unnecessary radiation exposure to the reproductive organs while ensuring that the area of interest for the X-ray is not obstructed. By focusing on anatomical landmarks like the trochanter, radiologic technologists can provide effective protection against radiation without compromising the quality of the diagnostic image. This approach reflects a balance between patient safety and the need for accurate imaging.