When providing shielding for a patient, it is important to?

Maintaining the shield between the radiation source and the patient is crucial for effective radiation protection. This practice ensures that the shield can adequately absorb or block the radiation emitted from the source, thereby limiting the patient's exposure to potentially harmful radiation. When the shield is properly positioned between the source of radiation and the area of the patient's body being irradiated, it serves its primary purpose of protection.

This concept aligns with the fundamental principles of radiation safety, emphasizing that the effectiveness of shielding is directly correlated to its placement relative to the patient and the radiation source. Properly positioned shields can significantly reduce the dosage of radiation received by sensitive tissues and organs, thereby minimizing the risk of radiation-induced injuries or long-term health effects.

Proper positioning is particularly important because if the shielding is not between the radiation source and patient or is improperly placed, it may not fulfill its protective function, leading to unnecessary exposure. Other considerations, such as the type of shield used or the amount of radio-sensitive anatomy covered, are important but secondary to ensuring that the shield's placement is optimal for radiation protection.