Final answer:
The question refers to adjusting kilovoltage by 15% to reduce exposure time for x-ray imaging or radiation therapy due to involuntary motion, highlighting the importance of balancing patient safety with image quality and therapeutic effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering x-ray imaging or radiation therapy, if involuntary motion must be considered, the exposure time may be reduced if the kilovoltage (kV) is increased. This is due to the fact that increasing the kilovoltage by 15% allows for a faster image acquisition while still obtaining the necessary image quality, and for therapeutic devices, the ability to deliver the required dose in a shorter amount of time.
For example, raising the kilovoltage increases the energy of the x-rays, which then produce higher energy photons. These photons have a greater ability to penetrate tissue, which in turn, can reduce the time required for exposure. When dealing with sensitive patients, such as those requiring surgery or intensive care, or when imaging moving organs, minimizing exposure time is critical to reduce the potential for motion-induced image blurring and to limit the radiation dose to the patient.
Understanding the relationship between kilovoltage and exposure time is important in fields such as diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy to ensure patient safety while maintaining image quality or therapeutic effectiveness.