What occurs when the selected kVp is set too high?

When the selected kilovolt peak (kVp) is set too high, the primary effect observed is that too many photons strike the receptor. This increase in photon exposure can lead to overexposure of the image, which compromises its quality. An overexposed image results in a loss of contrast, meaning that the difference between various shades of gray becomes less distinct. This can make it difficult to identify subtle details that are critical for accurate diagnosis, as the finer anatomy may blend into more uniformly bright areas.

On the other hand, when kVp is appropriately adjusted, the number of photons that reach the imaging receptor is optimized, which enhances the quality of the image produced. Therefore, understanding the implications of kVp settings is crucial for radiographic practice, as it directly influences image quality and diagnostic efficacy.