Which of the following factors can contribute to an increase in image quality during an x-ray examination?

Increasing filtration during an x-ray examination can significantly enhance image quality. Filtration involves the use of materials that absorb lower-energy, less penetrating x-rays from the beam before they reach the patient. This process helps to improve the overall quality of the x-ray image by producing a more homogenous beam, which contains only higher-quality, penetrating photons that contribute to better image contrast and reduce patient exposure to unnecessary radiation.

By filtering out lower-energy x-rays, the resulting image is less likely to be affected by scatter radiation, which can degrade image quality. This means that the diagnostic images produced are clearer, allowing for more accurate assessment of the anatomical structures being examined.

While other factors like exposure time, kilovoltage peak (kVp), and milliampere (mA) play roles in imaging, they can introduce complexities that may not necessarily lead to better image quality. For example, increasing exposure time can lead to motion blur if the patient is not still. Decreasing kVp typically leads to lower image contrast and may not penetrate tissues effectively. Decreasing mA reduces the quantity of x-rays produced, potentially resulting in images that are too faint or underexposed. Thus, the choice of increasing filtration stands out as a clear contributor to enhanced image