Where can staff reduce their scatter radiation exposure by 80%?

Reducing scatter radiation exposure is crucial for the safety of staff working in environments where fluoroscopy is used. The correct answer highlights the importance of positioning concerning the image receptor. When staff are on the same side as the image receptor, they benefit from the inherent angle of scatter radiation. Scatter primarily diverges from the patient and the x-ray source, and when personnel are located on the image receptor side, they are more effectively shielded from scatter radiation that typically travels outward from the patient.

In this positioning, the image receptor absorbs a significant portion of the scattered radiation, which helps further decrease exposure levels. Thus, being on the same side as the image receptor can lead to a substantial reduction in scatter exposure, around 80% as noted.

The other options would not provide the same level of protection. For instance, being on the opposite side of the image receptor does not effectively shield staff from the scatter since they would likely be in the direct path of emitted radiation. Positioning above the x-ray source might seem advantageous, but without proper shielding, staff would still be exposed to scatter. Lastly, standing in front of the x-ray tube places personnel directly in line with both primary beam and scatter radiation, increasing rather than decreasing exposure.