Final answer:
Compression and beam restriction are methods used to reduce scattered radiation by minimizing the volume of tissue exposed and the size of the radiation beam. They align with broader radiation protection measures like minimizing exposure time, maximizing the distance from radiation sources, and using shielding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Methods that help to reduce the production of scattered radiation include using compression and beam restriction. Compression flattens the body part, reducing its thickness and, thus, the volume of tissue that the radiation must penetrate. This effectively reduces the potential for scatter. Beam restriction, on the other hand, limits the size of the radiation beam and confines the beam to the area of interest, limiting exposure to surrounding tissues. Both methods are aligned with the principles of radiation protection measures, which advocate for minimizing time exposed to radiation, maximizing distance from the radiation source, and using appropriate shielding to reduce exposure.
Employing isotopes with short half-lives in medical imaging is another way to limit radiation dose, as these isotopes decay quickly and hence reduce the duration of exposure. Furthermore, the therapeutic ratio in radiotherapy aims to enhance the concentration of radiation to cancerous tissues while reducing exposure to normal tissues. Techniques such as precise beam direction from multiple angles converge on the tumor, optimizing the delivery of therapeutic radiation and minimizing dosage to healthy tissue.