What protective device minimizes scattered radiation from the patient to the fluoroscopist?

The protective curtain or drape is specifically designed to minimize scattered radiation from the patient to the fluoroscopist. When conducting fluoroscopic procedures, patients can scatter radiation in various directions due to the x-ray beam interacting with their tissues. The protective curtain is positioned between the patient and the fluoroscopist, absorbing and blocking some of the scattered radiation, thereby helping to protect the clinician from unnecessary exposure.

While a lead apron is also effective in providing protection against radiation, it primarily protects the body of the operator rather than directly addressing the issue of minimizing scattered radiation during a procedure. The Bucky slot cover serves to shield the fluoroscopist from scatter radiation emanating from the patient's lower body when the image receptor (Bucky) is in use. Meanwhile, a fluoroscopy timer is a device that tracks the duration of exposure but does not play a role in protection from scatter radiation.

Thus, the protective curtain or drape is the best choice for minimizing scattered radiation specifically directed from the patient towards the fluoroscopist during imaging procedures.