Which accessory is commonly used to protect patients during X-ray imaging?

The use of lead aprons during X-ray imaging is a standard practice aimed at minimizing radiation exposure for patients. These aprons are designed to absorb a significant amount of radiation, thereby providing a protective barrier, particularly for sensitive areas of the body such as the reproductive organs or the thyroid gland. Lead has high atomic number properties that make it effective in attenuating X-rays, thus protecting patients from the potential harms associated with radiation exposure during diagnostic imaging procedures.

While other protective accessories like gloves, shields, and goggles serve specific purposes in various medical settings, lead aprons are uniquely suited to the application in X-ray imaging due to their effectiveness in radiation protection and are routinely used in clinical environments. This makes them the most appropriate and commonly utilized accessory in this context.