The best way to protect yourself from radiation when a radiologic technologist is performing a radiographic exam is to:

The best way to protect yourself from radiation exposure during a radiographic exam is to leave the room. This is based on the principle of reducing exposure to radiation through distance and separation from the source. When you are in a different room, you are effectively eliminating your exposure to scatter radiation that may occur during the procedure, as well as any direct radiation emitted from the x-ray tube.

While wearing a lead apron, standing a distance away, and limiting exposure time can be effective strategies for minimizing radiation exposure, they do not provide the same level of protection as completely vacating the area. Lead aprons absorb some radiation but do not eliminate exposure, standing a distance away still leaves you within the proximity of scattered radiation, and limiting exposure time is more about managing the duration of exposure rather than removing the risk altogether. Therefore, leaving the room is the most effective method of ensuring safety from radiation during radiologic procedures.