What type of protective measures can be taken to safeguard patients from radiation?

Utilizing lead shields and limiting exposure time is the correct choice because these are fundamental protective measures designed to minimize radiation exposure to patients. Lead shields, when placed strategically around the area being imaged but not the area of interest, effectively absorb scatter radiation, thus protecting sensitive organs and tissues from unnecessary exposure.

Limiting exposure time is equally important, as the amount of radiation a patient receives is directly related to the duration of exposure. By minimizing the time spent in the radiation field, the overall dose can be significantly reduced. This approach not only safeguards the patient's health but also adheres to the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), which is central to radiation safety practices.

The other choices do not adhere to safety protocols. Higher doses of radiation would increase exposure risk, performing X-rays in a small room presents logistical challenges but does not inherently reduce radiation exposure, and minimizing the use of safety equipment contradicts the essential safety measures needed to protect patients. Together, using proper shielding and managing exposure time effectively ensures a safer imaging process for patients.