Which of the following is a common strategy for minimizing radiation exposure to patients?

Employing shielding techniques is a fundamental method for minimizing radiation exposure to patients. Shielding involves the use of barriers made from materials that absorb or block radiation, which can significantly reduce the amount of radiation that reaches the patient. Common forms of shielding include lead aprons, shields, or barriers positioned strategically during radiological procedures. This practice helps protect sensitive areas of the body not being imaged, thereby decreasing the risk of potential radiation-induced harm.

The other options, such as increasing exposure time or using higher radiation doses, would in fact increase the amount of radiation a patient receives, which counteracts the goal of minimizing exposure. Additionally, while reducing the number of imaging sessions may help to limit exposure, it's not solely focused on the direct physical protection that shielding offers during each session. Therefore, employing shielding techniques stands out as a highly effective and widely recognized strategy for reducing patient radiation exposure during medical imaging procedures.