If the x-ray tube is moved rapidly during a fluoroscopic exam, what will the image appear to be?

When the x-ray tube is moved rapidly during a fluoroscopic exam, the image will appear blurry. This blurriness occurs because rapid movement does not allow the imaging system to capture a stable image of the anatomy being examined. The x-ray beam must remain stationary for an adequate duration to allow for the proper exposure of the image to the detector or film. Any swift motion can result in motion blur, which negatively impacts image clarity and can obscure vital anatomical details.

In fluoroscopy, capturing real-time images of dynamic processes requires precision. Movement introduces a lack of sharpness, leading to a visual representation that may not accurately reflect the position or contour of the structures of interest. Therefore, the primary outcome of rapid movement during the examination is a loss of image quality, evident as blurriness.