What should the collimation be directed towards for a lateral coccyx x-ray?

For a lateral coccyx x-ray, collimation should be directed towards the specific area of interest, which in this case is the coccyx. Proper collimation helps to focus the x-ray beam on the region of interest, thereby improving image quality while minimizing the exposure of adjacent tissues to radiation. By confining the collimation to the relevant area, the radiographer enhances visibility of the coccyx and reduces scatter radiation, ensuring a more defined and diagnostic image.

In this context, collocating the beam to the entire pelvic area or other broader regions would not be ideal as they do not target the coccyx specifically and could compromise the clarity of the x-ray. This ensures that surrounding tissues are not unnecessarily exposed, which is a critical aspect of radiation safety in imaging practices.