When using a fixed technique, a decrease in kilovoltage peak (kVp) will cause patient dose to:

Study for the Clover Learning Radiography Image Production Test. Practice with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

A decrease in kilovoltage peak (kVp) in radiographic imaging typically leads to a decrease in the overall energy of the X-ray beams produced. This reduction in energy results in lower penetration ability of the X-rays, meaning that the X-rays are less effective at passing through the patient's body. Consequently, more photons are absorbed by the tissues, which can lead to increased patient dose.

However, with a fixed technique where exposure time and milliampere-seconds (mAs) remain constant, a drop in kVp necessitates an adjustment in the amount of radiation produced. Specifically, to maintain image quality, the radiographer may have to increase the mAs to compensate for the lower penetration of the X-rays. This increase in mAs can further contribute to a rise in patient dose.

In conclusion, decreasing kVp generally leads to an increased patient dose when adjustments are made to maintain image quality. Therefore, the assertion that a decrease in kVp will cause the patient dose to decrease is inaccurate in this context, reinforcing the importance of understanding the interplay between kVp, mAs, and patient dose in radiographic imaging practices.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy