Question

When performing fluoroscopy, decreasing the target - to - panel distance will

1. will not affect patient dose
2. decrease patient dose
3. increase patient dose

Answer 1

Decreasing the target-to-panel distance during fluoroscopy increases patient dose, as the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing fluoroscopy, decreasing the target-to-panel distance will increase patient dose. This is because the principles of radiation protection include maintaining as much distance as possible from the radiation source to minimize exposure. As per the inverse square law in radiographic physics, the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source, meaning that reducing the distance increases the intensity of the radiation and thus the dose the patient receives. To limit radiation doses, the use of shielding, increasing the distance from a source, and limiting the exposure time are effective measures.