Which items make up the recommended patient protection during radiography?

Which items make up the recommended patient protection during radiography?

• A. Lead apron and thyroid collar
• B. Lead apron alone
• C. Thyroid collar alone
• D. Lead shield and gloves

Answer: (A)

Protection of the patient during radiography relies on shielding radiosensitive tissues with appropriate garments. The best choice uses both a lead apron and a thyroid collar, because the lead apron covers the torso and pelvis to reduce exposure to organs in the trunk, while the thyroid collar shields the neck and thyroid gland, helping protect a particularly vulnerable area. Together, they lower the patient’s overall radiation dose without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. Using only the lead apron leaves the thyroid unprotected, and relying on only a thyroid collar leaves the torso exposed. A lead shield and gloves are not a standard patient-protection set—gloves protect the operator’s hands, not the patient, and a shield alone doesn’t provide complete coverage.

Protection of the patient during radiography relies on shielding radiosensitive tissues with appropriate garments. The best choice uses both a lead apron and a thyroid collar, because the lead apron covers the torso and pelvis to reduce exposure to organs in the trunk, while the thyroid collar shields the neck and thyroid gland, helping protect a particularly vulnerable area. Together, they lower the patient’s overall radiation dose without compromising the diagnostic quality of the image. Using only the lead apron leaves the thyroid unprotected, and relying on only a thyroid collar leaves the torso exposed. A lead shield and gloves are not a standard patient-protection set—gloves protect the operator’s hands, not the patient, and a shield alone doesn’t provide complete coverage.