CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

When adjusting imaging parameters, what common oversight could reduce exposure indicator levels?

1. Incorrect use of contrast media

2. Inappropriate grid ratio adjustment

3. Patient movement

4. Improper film processing

The correct answer is: Inappropriate grid ratio adjustment

The adjustment of imaging parameters is critical to obtaining high-quality radiographic images while minimizing radiation exposure. One common oversight that can significantly affect exposure indicator levels is the inappropriate adjustment of grid ratio. Grids are used to improve image contrast by reducing the amount of scatter radiation that reaches the film or image receptor. When the grid ratio is set too high for the imaging technique or the equipment used, it may lead to excessive attenuation of the primary beam, resulting in underexposure of the image. This underexposure is reflected in the exposure indicator readings, leading to lower levels than expected. On the other hand, if the grid ratio is too low, it may allow too much scatter radiation to reach the image receptor, potentially leading to overexposure and altered exposure indicator levels as well. Thus, ensuring the correct grid ratio adjustment is crucial for accurate exposure levels and optimal image quality. In contrast, the other options present different forms of oversight that may impact image quality and patient experience but do not primarily affect exposure indicator levels as directly as grid ratio adjustments. For instance, incorrect use of contrast media may influence the visibility of structures but does not change the exposure settings directly, patient movement leads to motion blur rather than changes in exposure, and improper film processing mainly affects