Which of the following is the best practice to ensure optimal image quality and minimize patient exposure in digital radiography?

Ensuring proper patient positioning is vital for optimizing image quality and minimizing patient exposure in digital radiography. Correct positioning helps to achieve the best alignment of the x-ray beam with the anatomical area of interest, which can significantly enhance image clarity and detail. When patients are positioned accurately, the required amount of radiation can be reduced, as the radiologist or technician can target the specific area of interest without excess exposure to surrounding tissues.

In contrast, options like increasing exposure time or using a higher grid ratio can lead to unnecessary radiation exposure without guaranteeing better image quality. Additionally, while using the lowest possible mAs (milliampere-seconds) is a consideration, it must be balanced with positioning to ensure that the image is not underexposed, which can compromise visibility and result in poor diagnostic information. Therefore, focusing on proper patient positioning is a foundational practice in achieving both optimal image quality and patient safety.