Question 1

The amount of electric charge produced in an AEC detector depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the detector.

Accepted Answer

In an Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) detector, the amount of electric charge produced is directly related to the amount of radiation absorbed by the detector. The more radiation absorbed, the greater the electric charge generated.

Question 2

Pre-established guidelines used by the radiographer to select standardized manual or AEC exposure factors for each type of radiographic examination are called

Accepted Answer

Exposure technique charts are pre-established guidelines that radiographers use to select standardized manual or Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) exposure factors for each type of radiographic examination. These charts help ensure consistent image quality and minimize patient exposure.

Question 3

___________________ identify optimal kVp values and alter the mAs for variations in part thickness

Accepted Answer

Fixed kVp-variable mAs technique involves setting an optimal kVp for the specific body part being imaged and then adjusting the mAs based on the thickness of the part. This approach helps in maintaining consistent image quality while minimizing patient dose.

Question 4

Which of the following patient conditions require a change in technical factors?
1) Plaster casts
2) Obesity
3) Additive disease

Accepted Answer

All three conditions - plaster casts, obesity, and additive diseases - necessitate adjustments in technical factors when performing radiographic imaging to ensure optimal image quality. Plaster casts and obesity increase the attenuation of the x-ray beam, requiring higher exposure settings, while additive diseases can alter the absorption characteristics of tissues, also necessitating technical adjustments.

Question 5

Using the plus or minus exposure adjustments should be done frequently to produce quality images with AEC.

Accepted Answer

Using the plus or minus exposure adjustments frequently with Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) can undermine the system's purpose, which is to automatically determine the correct exposure based on the density and composition of the subject. Adjustments should be made sparingly and based on specific needs rather than routinely.

Question 6

When using AEC, the exit radiation is converted into an electrical signal.

Accepted Answer

In Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) systems, the exit radiation (radiation that passes through the patient) is captured by detectors, which then convert this radiation into an electrical signal to control the exposure time and ensure optimal image quality while minimizing patient dose.

Question 7

With digital imaging using AEC, what factor is decreased if an AP thoracic spine is imaged using an outside instead of the center detector? (Assume all other factors are appropriate.)

Accepted Answer

Using an outside detector in AEC for an AP thoracic spine image typically results in a decreased exposure time because the detector is more directly exposed to the x-ray beam without as much attenuation from the spine, leading to a quicker response and shorter exposure.

Question 8

With digital imaging using AEC, if an AP thoracic spine is imaged using 110 kVp instead of 80 kVp, the patient exposure is _______________________. (Assume all other factors are appropriate.)

Accepted Answer

Using a higher kVp (110 kVp instead of 80 kVp) generally results in lower patient exposure because it allows for more penetration and requires less mAs to achieve the same image quality, thus reducing the overall radiation dose.

Question 9

With digital imaging using AEC, what factor is increased if an AP thoracic spine is imaged using an outside instead of the center detector? (Assume all other factors are appropriate.)

Accepted Answer

Using an outside detector instead of the center detector can lead to improper exposure, increasing quantum noise due to insufficient exposure.

Question 10

Different radiographic projections and patient positions of the same anatomic part do not require modification of the exposure factors.

Accepted Answer

Different radiographic projections and patient positions can significantly alter the thickness and density of the anatomic part being imaged, requiring adjustments to the exposure factors (such as kVp, mA, and exposure time) to ensure optimal image quality.

Question 11

If an AEC has three detectors, only one of the three can be selected for an exposure.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If an AEC has three detectors, only...

Question 12

Phototimer AEC devices convert the radiation to light energy.

Accepted Answer

Phototimer Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) devices in radiography use a fluorescent screen to convert the X-ray radiation into light, which is then measured to control the exposure time.

Question 13

It is safe to assume that anatomically programmed techniques have been developed to produce the best quality images with the least amount of exposure.

Accepted Answer

The answer of It is safe to assume that anatomically...

Question 14

The AEC system will automatically adjust to changing image receptor types.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The AEC system will automatically adjust to...

Question 15

The mAs readout is of little value because there is no need to set manual exposure factors.

Accepted Answer

The mAs (milliampere-seconds) readout is valuable because it helps in determining the correct exposure factors, ensuring optimal image quality while minimizing patient radiation dose. Even with automatic exposure control (AEC) systems, understanding and potentially adjusting manual exposure factors can be important for specific clinical situations or to compensate for AEC limitations.

Question 16

With digital imaging using AEC, if an AP thoracic spine is imaged with the central ray passing 3 inches to the right of the spine, the right lung exposure is _________________. (Assume all other factors are appropriate.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of With digital imaging using AEC, if an...

Question 17

With digital imaging using AEC, if an AP thoracic spine is imaged with the exposure adjustment changed from 0 to +2, the exposure time is _______________________. (Assume all other factors are appropriate.)

Accepted Answer

When the exposure adjustment is changed from 0 to +2 in digital imaging using Automatic Exposure Control (AEC), it means the system is instructed to increase the exposure, resulting in a longer exposure time to achieve a denser (or more exposed) image.

Question 18

Collimation is not required when AEC is used.

Accepted Answer

Collimation is still required when using Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) because it helps to reduce patient exposure by limiting the area irradiated and ensures that the AEC sensors are properly covered by the x-ray beam for accurate exposure control.

Question 19

AEC and phototiming are accurate terms that can be used in place of automatic exposure control.

Accepted Answer

AEC stands for Automatic Exposure Control, but phototiming is an outdated term that is not synonymous with AEC.

Quiz 13: Exposure Technique Selection