When the distance from the x-ray source decreases, what happens to the patient dose?

When the distance from the x-ray source decreases, the patient dose increases due to the inverse square law of radiation. This principle states that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source of radiation.

As the distance from the x-ray source decreases, the radiation intensity at the location of the patient increases significantly, thereby increasing the amount of x-ray exposure received by the patient. For instance, if the distance is halved, the intensity of the radiation at the patient's position will be four times greater, resulting in a higher dose. Understanding this relationship helps radiographers apply appropriate distance measures to minimize patient exposure whenever possible.