How can acceptable radiographs be produced if the developing solution is slightly above normal temperature?

To ensure that acceptable radiographs are produced when the developing solution is slightly above the normal temperature, it is essential to adjust the developing time appropriately. Higher temperatures in the developing solution can increase the activity of the developer, leading to a faster reduction of the silver halide crystals, thereby speeding up the overall development process.

By shortening the time in the developer, you can prevent overdevelopment, which can cause contrast loss, excessive density, or artifacts on the radiographs. This adjustment helps in maintaining the correct balance needed to achieve a high-quality image even when the developer's temperature is elevated.

Other options may not address the issue effectively. For instance, lengthening the exposure time would not compensate for the increased temperature of the developer and would likely lead to other complications. Adjusting the time in the fixer or wash does not solve the problem directly related to the development step itself, as these processes come after development and do not correct the potential issues caused by a rapid development time. Therefore, shortening the time in the developer is the most effective strategy in this scenario.