Which practice should be prioritized to minimize patient radiation dose during fluoroscopic examinations?

Limiting the fluoroscopy time to the minimum necessary is crucial for minimizing patient radiation dose during fluoroscopic examinations. This is because the amount of radiation exposure is directly related to the duration of the fluoroscopy procedure. The longer the equipment is used, the more radiation a patient is exposed to. By prioritizing the minimization of fluoroscopy time, practitioners can effectively reduce the radiation dose while still obtaining the necessary diagnostic information.

This practice not only enhances patient safety but also aligns with the principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), which is fundamental in radiological procedures. The goal is to accomplish the needed imaging while minimizing unnecessary exposure, ensuring better patient care and adhering to safety standards in medical imaging.