RCIS Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Exam Prep

The lateral view is known to expose the patient to a higher radiation dose compared to other standard imaging views. This is primarily because, in the lateral position, the X-ray beam has to pass through a greater thickness of body tissue than in the anterior-posterior (AP) view. The increased tissue thickness leads to a higher radiation exposure necessary to produce a quality image.

Moreover, the positioning of the patient in a lateral view often involves having to use more radiation to penetrate the body effectively. As a result, the amount of radiation reaching the patient's tissues tends to be greater. This is important to consider in clinical practice to minimize radiation exposure while still obtaining the necessary diagnostic information.

In contrast, the anterior-posterior view directs the X-ray beam through the body from front to back, which typically results in lower radiation exposure. The angled views, such as the right or left anterior oblique, might also have implications for radiation dose; however, they generally do not exceed the dose associated with the lateral view.