Which of the following is an effect of increased filtration in an x-ray beam?

Increased filtration in an x-ray beam serves to enhance the quality of the radiation while reducing the amount of less penetrating, lower-energy x-rays that contribute to patient exposure without providing useful diagnostic information. As the amount of filtration increases, the overall energy of the x-ray beam improves, enabling more effective penetration through the patient's body.

This process leads to a decrease in patient dose because there are fewer low-energy photons that are absorbed by the patient, which can contribute to unnecessary radiation exposure. The remaining high-energy photons are more likely to result in useful diagnostic images, as they can penetrate tissues effectively. Consequently, increased filtration leads to improved beam quality and reduced patient dose, aligning with the principles of radiation safety which prioritize minimizing exposure.

In contrast, increased filtration does not contribute to increased exposure or intensity; rather, it selectively removes the lower-energy photons. Thus, the correct answer highlights the relationship between increased filtration and its beneficial effect of reducing patient dose while maintaining image quality.