Full aprons are worn to protect which areas during X-ray examinations?

• A. Cover the entire body.
• B. Cover the breasts and abdominal-pelvic area.
• C. Cover the chest only.
• D. Cover the feet.

Answer: (B)

Lead aprons shield radiosensitive tissues from scatter radiation that escapes the patient during X-ray exams. A full apron is designed to cover the trunk, including the breasts and the abdominal-pelvic region, because these areas contain organs that are particularly sensitive to radiation exposure. The protection focuses on scatter radiation rather than the primary beam, reducing the dose to these critical tissues. Feet aren’t covered by a full trunk apron, and shielding the chest alone wouldn’t protect the abdominal-pelvic organs, so the full coverage helps minimize radiation risk to the most vulnerable areas.