Which of the following actions will minimize size distortion in radiography?

Minimizing size distortion in radiography is fundamentally related to the concept of Source-to-Image Distance (SID). When the SID is increased, the diverging rays from the X-ray source are less effective at magnifying the image of the object being imaged. This is because a greater distance allows for a more accurate representation of the object’s true size as the scattered rays converge more closely at the image receptor.

By increasing the SID, the X-rays travel further and produce a more collimated beam when they reach the image receptor. This leads to a reduction in the magnification effect, thereby enhancing the detail and size fidelity of the image. It's essential for radiologists and technologists to understand this principle when positioning patients and setting up for imaging, as controlling the SID can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the radiographic image.

In contrast, decreasing the SID or increasing the focal spot size would typically result in increased size distortion due to greater magnification and less sharpness. Additionally, using a larger image receptor does not directly address the factors influencing size distortion; instead, it may affect the field of view or coverage of the image but does not correct for the inherent magnification caused by the radiographic geometry.