What effect does increased filtration in an x-ray beam typically have?

Increased filtration in an x-ray beam primarily serves to decrease patient dose. Filtration involves the use of materials, such as aluminum, placed in the x-ray beam path to absorb low-energy photons that do not contribute to image quality and instead increase the radiation dose to the patient. By removing these low-energy photons, which are more likely to be absorbed by the patient's tissue, the overall dose that the patient receives is reduced.

This is important in radiology, as it helps to ensure that patients receive only the necessary amount of radiation for diagnostic imaging, thereby minimizing unnecessary exposure and the associated risks. By increasing filtration, the x-ray beam becomes "harder," meaning it has a higher average energy, which can enhance image quality while protecting the patient.

The other options do not align with the effects of increased filtration; for instance, low-energy radiation exposure would increase if filtration were reduced, not increased. Image clarity can improve with appropriate filtration levels, and beam intensity typically decreases as more filtration is added. Thus, the choice that accurately reflects the primary effect of increased filtration is the reduction of patient dose.