Which shielding is appropriate for a pregnant patient during radiography?

Which shielding is appropriate for a pregnant patient during radiography?

• A. No shielding
• B. Lead apron and gonadal shielding
• C. Only lead gloves
• D. Lead glasses

Answer: (B)

When a patient is pregnant, the goal is to minimize radiation reaching the fetus while still obtaining a good diagnostic image. A lead apron placed over the abdomen/protective region helps reduce scattered radiation that could reach the uterus and fetus. Adding a gonadal shield provides additional protection to the reproductive organs, which are sensitive to radiation and could be affected by exposure. Items like lead gloves or lead glasses only shield the hands or eyes and do not protect the abdomen where fetal exposure is a concern, and opting for no shielding would leave the fetus unprotected. So using both the lead apron and gonadal shielding gives the most comprehensive protection for a pregnant patient undergoing radiography.

When a patient is pregnant, the goal is to minimize radiation reaching the fetus while still obtaining a good diagnostic image. A lead apron placed over the abdomen/protective region helps reduce scattered radiation that could reach the uterus and fetus. Adding a gonadal shield provides additional protection to the reproductive organs, which are sensitive to radiation and could be affected by exposure.

Items like lead gloves or lead glasses only shield the hands or eyes and do not protect the abdomen where fetal exposure is a concern, and opting for no shielding would leave the fetus unprotected. So using both the lead apron and gonadal shielding gives the most comprehensive protection for a pregnant patient undergoing radiography.