Which principle should be followed to reduce the exposure of patients and staff to x-rays?

The principle of equipment maintenance is crucial in reducing the exposure of both patients and staff to x-rays. Proper maintenance ensures that the x-ray equipment is functioning optimally, minimizing unnecessary radiation. When machines are regularly checked and calibrated, they operate within safe limits, thus enhancing the quality of x-ray images while reducing the likelihood of overexposure due to faulty equipment.

This principle also involves ensuring that all safety features of the equipment, such as lead shields and collimation settings, are in good working order, further protecting both patient and staff from excess radiation. Regular maintenance routines can help identify potential issues before they lead to increased exposure or compromised safety.

In contrast, while options like exposing only the patient, fresh processing solutions, and using D-speed films may contribute to radiological safety in different ways, they do not address the fundamental need to ensure that the equipment is in optimal condition. Equipment maintenance serves as a foundational practice in any radiology protocol aimed at minimizing exposure risks.