To ensure patient safety, what must be carefully monitored during fluoroscopy?

Monitoring radiation dose during fluoroscopy is crucial for ensuring patient safety. Fluoroscopy involves exposing patients to ionizing radiation, and excessive radiation dose can increase the risk of adverse effects, including radiation burns or long-term cancer risk. By closely monitoring the radiation dose, operators can make informed decisions about procedure duration, technique, and necessary shielding to minimize the amount of radiation that the patient receives.

Ensuring that this dose is maintained within established safety guidelines helps protect both patients and healthcare professionals. It allows for appropriate adjustments in technique if the dose appears to be reaching unsafe levels, thereby fostering a balance between obtaining quality diagnostic images and safeguarding the patient's health.