When using Automatic Exposure Control (AEC), what can help reduce patient motion while ensuring proper image receptor exposure?

Increased milliamperage setting is the correct choice because it enhances the overall exposure rate during the radiographic procedure. By raising the milliamperage, you effectively increase the number of x-ray photons produced, which can lead to a better quality image with appropriate receptor exposure even if the exposure time is shorter.

When using Automatic Exposure Control (AEC), one of the crucial factors to consider is how to minimize motion artifacts that can arise from patient movement. Higher milliampere settings aid in achieving the necessary exposure quicker. This is particularly important in situations where a patient may be anxious or uncomfortable, as a shorter overall exposure time can help capture the desired image before any motion occurs.

Alternatively, increasing kilovoltage primarily influences the quality of the x-ray beam and its penetration power rather than directly addressing motion. Decreasing exposure time on its own could lead to underexposure if it does not coincide with other adjustments. Reducing patient positioning time, while potentially beneficial, does not directly correlate with enhancing image receptor exposure or addressing patient motion in the same manner that adjusting the milliamperage does. Thus, maximizing current through an increased milliamperage setting is an effective strategy for achieving optimal image quality while managing motion.