Which of the following is an appropriate way to control discomfort during a laser procedure?

Increasing pulse duration can indeed be an appropriate way to control discomfort during a laser procedure. This approach allows for the delivery of energy over a slightly longer period of time, which can help the skin to dissipate heat more effectively. By extending the pulse duration, the overall intensity of the heat transferred to the tissue is moderated, which may lead to a reduced sensation of pain or discomfort for the patient. Managing the duration of the pulse helps to balance effective energy delivery with patient comfort, making it a critical aspect of laser treatments.

In contrast, reducing fluence, decreasing exposure time, or minimizing wavelength may not have the same direct effect on controlling discomfort. Reducing fluence might lower the energy delivered, which can affect the treatment efficacy, while decreasing exposure time can lead to a more concentrated energy impact, potentially increasing discomfort. Minimizing wavelength can impact the absorption depth of the laser energy, but it doesn't inherently correlate with discomfort management in the same way that adjusting pulse duration does.