If a patient in the x-ray room feels faint and light-headed, what is the best way to respond?

Lying the patient on the x-ray table with their legs elevated is an effective response for a patient who feels faint and light-headed. This position helps to improve blood flow to the brain, which can alleviate symptoms of dizziness or fainting. Elevating the legs can assist in counteracting the effects of gravity on circulation, promoting venous return to the heart and ultimately enhancing cardiac output.

The rationale for this approach lies in basic physiology; when a person feels faint, it often signifies reduced blood flow to the brain. By positioning them horizontally and raising their legs, you are working to restore adequate blood circulation, which can help stabilize their condition more quickly than other measures.

While the other options, such as administering oxygen or using a fan, might be beneficial in specific situations, they do not directly address the immediate need to restore blood flow to the brain in cases of faintness. Having the patient sit down could be safer than standing but does not provide the same level of support as lying down with legs elevated.