Identify a common artifact that can appear on a radiographic image.

Motion blur is a common artifact that can appear on a radiographic image due to patient movement during the exposure. When a patient shifts position, the resulting image can show blurred or indistinct details, which can obscure important anatomical features and interfere with accurate interpretation. This phenomenon occurs because the imaging system captures motion during the time it takes to acquire the image, leading to an incorrect representation of the anatomical structures.

In radiography, maintaining the patient's stillness is crucial for obtaining clear images; therefore, techniques such as short exposure times, patient positioning, and using immobilization devices are utilized to minimize the risk of motion blur. This artifact is particularly significant because it can compromise diagnostic quality, making it essential for technologists to be vigilant about controlling patient movement.

While other artifacts like exposure fog, color fading, and contrast loss may also affect image quality, they are less commonly associated with the specific issue of patient motion during imaging. Exposure fog refers to a general haze on the image resulting from improper processing or exposure settings, while color fading is more relevant in modalities that utilize color imaging rather than traditional radiography. Contrast loss relates to the image's ability to distinguish between different tissues but is not as directly tied to motion as motion blur is.