What safety measure minimizes the radiation exposure for patients?

Using lead shields is effective in minimizing radiation exposure for patients because lead is a dense material that effectively absorbs and blocks radiation. When properly positioned, lead shields can protect sensitive tissues and organs from unnecessary exposure during medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays or CT scans. This practice is a key component of radiation safety protocols and helps to ensure that patients receive the necessary diagnostic imaging while reducing their risk of radiation-related harm.

In contrast, increasing exposure time would lead to a greater accumulated dose of radiation, which is counterproductive to minimizing exposure. Using higher radiation doses is also contrary to the principle of "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA), which dictates that radiation doses should be kept to the minimum necessary to achieve the required medical outcome. Performing multiple scans without a justified medical reason can further increase a patient's exposure, rather than reducing it. Thus, the use of lead shields stands out as the most effective safety measure in this context.