What is the effect of decreasing the radiographic field size from 14 × 17 in. to 8 × 10 in.?

Decreasing the radiographic field size from 14 × 17 inches to 8 × 10 inches has a direct impact on both the receptor exposure and the amount of scattered radiation produced during the imaging process.

When the field size is reduced, the amount of tissue irradiated is also reduced. This results in decreased overall exposure to the receptor because less radiation is penetrating through the body. Consequently, this reduces the quantity of primary radiation that reaches the imaging receptor.

At the same time, a smaller field size leads to less scatter radiation. When a larger area is irradiated, there is a higher likelihood of interactions between the x-rays and the tissues, which generates scatter. By decreasing the area being irradiated, fewer scattered x-rays are produced, as there is less material for interactions to occur. This is significant because scattered radiation can degrade image quality and increase patient exposure unnecessarily.

Thus, the correct answer reflects that reducing the radiographic field size decreases both receptor exposure and the amount of scattered radiation produced during the imaging process.