What factor can significantly increase the patient's radiation dose during computed radiography?

Choosing a higher image resolution setting can significantly increase the patient's radiation dose during computed radiography because achieving higher resolution often requires an increase in the amount of exposure time or radiation dose applied to obtain the detailed images that are needed. Higher resolution aims to capture finer details, which can lead to longer exposure times or adjustments in other parameters to enhance image quality. Therefore, to maintain the clarity and depth of the image at a higher resolution, more radiation may be necessary, ultimately increasing the dose to the patient.

This relationship between image quality and radiation dose is critical in radiographic practices. While other factors, such as kilovoltage settings and patient positioning, can influence dose, they do not have the same direct relationship with resolution as increasing radiation exposure does. Adjusting the distance between the x-ray source and the detector can also impact dose, but it is less directly tied to the resolution setting compared to the increase in radiation required for better image resolution.