Which of the following factors could contribute to increased patient dose during imaging?

Extending scan time directly contributes to increased patient dose during imaging procedures. When the duration of an exposure is longer, the patient is subjected to radiation for an extended period, leading to higher overall radiation exposure. This is particularly significant in techniques involving continuous exposure, such as fluoroscopy, where the dose accumulates over time. Therefore, increasing the scan time inherently increases the radiation dose received by the patient, making it a critical factor in radiation safety and dose management in imaging practices.

In contrast, lowering the kilovolt peak (kVp) generally reduces the energy of the x-ray beam and can lead to increased patient dose due to potential compensatory adjustments in other parameters or increased scatter. Reducing the number of images is typically a dose-saving measure as it minimizes radiation exposure. Using pulsed fluoroscopy can significantly reduce the radiation dose compared to continuous fluoroscopy, as it limits exposure to short bursts rather than a continuous beam.