Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Practice Exam

Which choice is best for an x-ray of a nervous, moving dog?

1. Higher milliamperage (mA); Shorter time (seconds)

2. Higher kilovoltage (kVp)

3. Lower milliamperage (mA); Shorter time (seconds)

4. Higher milliamperage (mA); Longer time (seconds)

The correct answer is: Higher milliamperage (mA); Shorter time (seconds)

Using higher milliamperage (mA) in conjunction with a shorter exposure time is the most effective approach for obtaining a clear x-ray image of a nervous, moving dog. When a patient's movement cannot be controlled, such as in the case of an anxious animal, it becomes essential to minimize the exposure time to reduce the risk of motion blur on the image. Higher mA settings increase the overall number of x-ray photons generated, which results in a higher quality image with better contrast and detail. By keeping the exposure time short, you minimize the period in which the animal can move, allowing for a better capture of the image before any motion can occur. This combination of higher mA and shorter exposure time is advantageous in veterinary radiography, especially when working with uncooperative patients. Other options may not provide the same balance of detail and clarity needed for accurate diagnostics in such scenarios. For instance, while higher kilovoltage (kVp) can enhance the penetration power of the x-rays and contribute to image quality, it does not address the challenge of minimizing motion blur. Similarly, lowering milliamperage while attempting to keep a short exposure time would not yield the same density or clarity of images necessary for a proper evaluation. Longer exposure times