What are the proper patient instructions for the AP projection of the shoulder?

For the AP projection of the shoulder, the proper patient instructions are crucial to obtaining a clear and accurate radiographic image. Stopping breathing momentarily while remaining still is vital because any movement during the exposure can result in motion blur, compromising the quality of the image. Additionally, suspending respiration minimizes the likelihood of diaphragm movement that could alter the position of the shoulder, ensuring that anatomical structures are properly visualized.

Asking the patient to take a deep breath could introduce unnecessary movement or variations in diaphragm position during the imaging process, which is not conducive to producing a clear image. Similarly, instructing the patient to breathe normally or move slowly is not appropriate, as these instructions could lead to the same motion blur issues. Thus, the most effective approach is to have the patient hold their breath and remain still to ensure a high-quality radiograph.