During fluoroscopy, why should the image intensifier be close to the patient?

Keeping the image intensifier close to the patient during fluoroscopy is essential to improve image quality. When the image intensifier is near the patient, it helps in reducing the amount of scatter radiation that can degrade the image. This proximity enhances the contrast and resolution of the images produced, providing clearer and more diagnostic-quality images.

By minimizing the distance between the patient and the image intensifier, the system can effectively gather more direct radiation from the area of interest, which aids in capturing finer details that might be lost if the intensifier were farther away. This improved image quality is critical in making accurate diagnoses and ensuring patient safety during procedures.

Regarding the other options, increasing machine size does not contribute to image quality, enhancing image distortion would be counterproductive in a diagnostic sense, and while reducing practitioner fatigue is a valid consideration, it does not directly affect the quality of the imaging produced during the procedure.