Question

the default technique for the lateral projection of the thoracic spine is 400 milliamperes (ma), 0.1 seconds (s), 80 kilovoltage peak (kvp), and 40 inches source - to - image distance (sid). how should the technologist modify this technique to blur the ribs and increase the visibility of the spine while maintaining the same receptor exposure?
increase ma and decrease exposure time
decrease ma and increase exposure time
increase ma and decrease kvp
decrease ma and increase kvp

Explanation:

In radiography, to blur the ribs (motion - blurring to reduce their sharpness) and increase spine visibility while maintaining receptor exposure, we can use the reciprocity law. Increasing mA and decreasing exposure time can achieve motion - blurring of the ribs (as shorter exposure time reduces motion unsharpness of the stationary spine while higher mA compensates for the reduced time to maintain exposure). Also, decreasing kVp increases the subject contrast making the spine more visible.

Answer:

A. Increase mA and decrease exposure time