Which of the following results from restricting the x-ray beam?

Restricting the x-ray beam primarily has the effect of reducing the amount of scattered radiation produced during an x-ray examination. When the beam is limited to just the area of interest, there is a decrease in the volume of tissue being irradiated, which in turn results in less scatter being generated. This reduced scatter contributes to a clearer image quality, as less scatter means that the x-ray image is less likely to be compromised by unwanted radiation.

In addition to the reduction in scatter, restricting the beam also minimizes the dose of radiation received by the patient. By limiting the exposure to only the area that is necessary for the examination, the patient is being exposed to less radiation overall, thus decreasing the potential risk and hazard associated with the procedure. This is an important aspect of radiation safety and patient protection.

Overall, restricting the x-ray beam leads to both less scattered radiation production and less patient hazard, enhancing both image quality and patient safety.