Increasing x-ray tube current results in which of the following?

Increasing the x-ray tube current directly influences the quantity of x-rays produced. The tube current, measured in milliamperes (mA), determines the number of electrons emitted from the cathode and ultimately contributes to the number of x-rays generated. When the current is increased, a greater number of x-ray photons are produced during a given exposure time.

This increase in photon production leads to a higher radiation exposure rate, meaning that patients and operators are exposed to more radiation during the imaging procedure. This is crucial for radiographers and operators to understand, as it directly impacts both image quality and safety protocols. While image brightness may also be affected, especially if the image receptor is not adjusted appropriately, the primary characteristic of increasing tube current is the elevation in the overall radiation output from the x-ray tube.

Hence, selecting the option related to higher radiation exposure rate accurately reflects the consequence of increasing the x-ray tube current.