Which device can be used to protect the gonads of a neonate during a radiographic examination?

The appropriate device for protecting the gonads of a neonate during a radiographic examination is a contact shield. This type of shield is specifically designed to be placed directly over the area of concern, in this case, the gonads, to absorb and reduce radiation exposure during imaging procedures. Contact shields are effective because they provide a barrier between the radiation source and the sensitive tissues, ensuring that any radiation scatter does not reach the gonads.

While lead aprons and protective gowns offer substantial protection to the body as a whole and help minimize radiation exposure during examinations, they do not specifically target the gonadal area with the same precision as contact shields do. Full-body shields provide general shielding but are not practically used for localized protection like contact shields are. Therefore, for safeguarding the gonads of a neonate during a radiographic exam, the most effective and targeted approach is the use of contact shields.