A radiographer acquires an optimal image of the wrist using 60 kVp and 2.5 mAs. Acquiring the same projection using a technique of 72 kVp and 5 mAs will result in which of the following?

In the context of radiography, utilizing a technique of 72 kVp and 5 mAs compared to 60 kVp and 2.5 mAs can lead to an excessive patient dose. The increase in kilovoltage peak (kVp) raises the energy of the X-ray beam, which typically results in greater penetration through the tissues and a reduction in overall image contrast. While a higher mAs value usually means an increase in the quantity of X-ray photons, thus reducing noise and improving image quality, the combination of higher kVp and increased mAs can significantly escalate the dose the patient receives during the examination.

When kVp is increased, there can be more scatter radiation produced, further contributing to the overall dose. Therefore, while image quality might improve to some extent, the primary concern is the increased radiation exposure to the patient, making it vital to find a balance between image quality and patient safety.