What adjustment should be made for a plaster cast in terms of KVP and MAS?

When considering adjustments for imaging through a plaster cast, it is essential to understand how materials like plaster interact with X-rays. Plaster casts have a significant density and can impede the passage of X-rays, requiring adjustments to imaging parameters in order to achieve optimal image quality.

Increasing the kilovoltage peak (KVP) by 8-10 is appropriate because this adjustment enhances the penetrating power of the X-rays. This increase in KVP allows for better penetration through the denser material of the plaster, which helps in producing clearer images of the underlying anatomical structures. A higher KVP also reduces contrast slightly, which can be beneficial in maintaining image quality when additional dense materials are present.

In addition to the KVP adjustment, increasing the milliampere-seconds (MAS) by 100 percent compensates for the increased exposure needed due to the presence of the cast. The higher MAS delivers more total X-ray photons to ensure that the image is adequately exposed despite the obstruction of the plaster cast.

The chosen adjustment of KVP + 8-10 and MAS + 100 percent strikes a balance that optimally compensates for the radiopaque nature of the plaster cast, ensuring both adequate penetration and sufficient image density.