CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What does the presence of a fixed diaphragm in an x-ray tube do?

1. Increases image noise

2. Reduces unnecessary radiation

3. Enhances patient comfort

4. Increases contrast

The correct answer is: Reduces unnecessary radiation

The presence of a fixed diaphragm in an x-ray tube primarily functions to reduce unnecessary radiation. By limiting the area that the x-ray beam can cover, a fixed diaphragm helps ensure that only the relevant anatomical structures are irradiated. This not only minimizes the exposure of surrounding tissues to radiation but also contributes to the overall safety protocols of radiographic procedures. It plays a key role in optimizing patient safety and compliance with radiation protection standards, effectively reducing the dose that patients receive without compromising image quality. Moreover, by focusing the beam on a specific area of interest, the fixed diaphragm also aids in improving image quality by reducing scatter radiation, which can contribute to unnecessary exposure and further degrades the diagnostic quality of the x-ray image. Thus, the primary benefit of incorporating a fixed diaphragm in x-ray systems is the enhanced safety for patients through reduced radiation exposure.