CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

How does moving the image intensifier closer to the patient affect radiation dose?

1. It increases the dose

2. It decreases the dose

3. It has no effect

4. It varies by patient type

The correct answer is: It decreases the dose

Moving the image intensifier closer to the patient decreases the radiation dose. This is primarily due to the geometry of the imaging system and the principles of radiation scatter and exposure. When the image receptor is positioned nearer to the patient, it captures the emitted radiation more efficiently, which allows for lower exposure settings without compromising image quality. As the distance from the patient increases, the amount of scatter radiation that the detector must capture also increases, which can lead to higher radiation doses to achieve a diagnostic-quality image. By minimizing this distance, healthcare providers can optimize their radiation techniques and ensure the patient receives the lowest possible dose while still obtaining the necessary diagnostic information. Thus, placing the image intensifier closer is a strategic approach to enhance patient safety in radiographic procedures.