Radiologic Technologist Practice Exam

What is the main concern with using high milliamperage settings in radiography?

1. Increased image sharpness

2. Higher patient dose

3. Decreased exposure time

4. Lower contrast

The correct answer is: Higher patient dose

Using high milliamperage settings in radiography primarily raises the patient dose due to the increased amount of radiation produced during the exposure process. Milliamperage (mA) represents the tube current, and higher mA settings result in a greater quantity of x-rays being generated. This can lead to a higher overall exposure to the patient, which is a critical consideration in radiographic practice. While increased image sharpness and decreased exposure time can be associated with higher mA, these benefits do not outweigh the primary concern of patient safety. The goal of radiographic imaging is to produce diagnostic-quality images while minimizing the dose to the patient. Therefore, managing radiographic techniques and parameters, such as milliamperage, is essential to ensure that patient exposure is kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle).