What is a consequence of improper technique in digital radiography?

• A. Wasted dose
• B. Improved image quality
• C. Decreased need for shielding
• D. Shorter exposure times

Answer: (A)

Improper technique in radiography leads to wasted dose because a poor image is often not usable and the study must be repeated. Each additional exposure delivers more radiation to the patient, so mistakes in positioning, collimation, exposure factors, or beam alignment drive up the total dose. Digital radiography does offer flexibility and post-processing, but it doesn’t eliminate the need to expose the patient again if the initial image isn’t diagnostic.

This is why the other options aren’t the consequence: improved image quality comes from proper technique, not improper; shielding needs aren’t reduced by doing things wrong, and exposure times aren’t inherently shorter when technique is off—in fact, they may need to be adjusted or extended to try to obtain a usable image.