What can be a consequence of improper patient positioning in radiography?

Improper patient positioning in radiography can lead to lower image quality because accurate positioning is crucial for obtaining clear and diagnostic images. When a patient is not correctly aligned with the X-ray beam, or if the anatomical area of interest is obscured or distorted, it can result in increased blur, misrepresentation of structures, or even failure to capture the necessary details. This degradation in image quality can make it difficult for radiologists to accurately diagnose any conditions or abnormalities.

In contrast to this, greater patient comfort, faster image processing, and reduced radiation exposure are not normally outcomes of improper positioning; instead, they might represent ideal scenarios that can be achieved with proper technique and positioning. Proper alignment generally ensures that the patient is as comfortable as possible, allows for efficient processing of images, and can also minimize unnecessary radiation exposure by focusing the beam correctly on the area of interest.