During what stage of respiration should exposure to x-rays be made?

Exposure to x-rays should be made at the end of expiration because this is the point when the patient's lungs are relatively calm and there is minimal movement. By taking the x-ray at this stage, the diaphragm is in a fixed position, which leads to a more stable image, reducing the likelihood of motion blur that could occur if the patient were in the process of inhaling or exhaling.

During inhalation, the chest and diaphragm are expanding, which could cause inconsistent positioning of the structures being imaged, and thus compromise image quality. Taking an x-ray during any phase of inhalation introduces variability in lung volume, making it less ideal for clear imaging. By contrast, at the end of expiration, the ribs and diaphragm have settled into a position that provides a clearer and more consistent view for accurate diagnosis.