Final answer:
Spacers on mobile fluoroscopic equipment function as locks, help protect the equipment, and maintain the correct source-to-skin distance, which is essential for image quality and patient radiation safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spacers on the mobile fluoroscopic equipment have several purposes. Firstly, they may function as a lock to help stabilize the equipment in a fixed position, ensuring that it doesn't shift during a procedure. Secondly, while the statement "it should never be removed" is too absolute, generally, spacers should not be removed because they help maintain the integral structure and stability of the equipment. However, there might be some situations where a spacer could be adjusted or removed by a qualified technician or according to manufacturer instructions. Thirdly, they help to protect the c-arm or u-arm system by maintaining alignment and reducing the risk of accidental damage during movement or use. Lastly, spacers are used to maintain the correct source-to-skin distance, which is crucial for both image quality and patient safety by ensuring proper radiation exposure levels.