Compared to a patient with pneumonia, an emphysematous patient will need __________ exposure.

An emphysematous patient will require less exposure compared to a patient with pneumonia due to the differences in lung density and composition associated with these conditions. In emphysema, the lung tissue is damaged and air-filled spaces (bullae) develop, leading to a decrease in the overall density of the lung tissue. As a result, the radiographic appearance becomes more radiolucent, meaning that less radiation exposure is needed to create an adequate image.

In contrast, pneumonia results in increased density due to the presence of fluid, inflammatory cells, and consolidation within the lung, which necessitates a higher radiation dose to penetrate the denser areas for proper visualization. Understanding these variations in lung pathology is crucial when determining the appropriate radiographic exposure settings to ensure optimal imaging while maintaining patient safety.