What is a likely cause of a blurred or fuzzy x-ray image?

A blurred or fuzzy x-ray image is most commonly caused by patient movement during the exposure. When a patient shifts position or makes any movement while the x-ray machine is taking an image, the x-ray film or digital sensor captures multiple images of the structures, resulting in a blurred or indistinct image. It's crucial for patients to remain still throughout the procedure to ensure a clear and accurate representation of the anatomical structures being examined.

While the other options can contribute to image quality issues, they typically do not result in the same immediate effect as patient movement. Wrong exposure settings might result in underexposure or overexposure, leading to dark or light images rather than a blurred appearance. Improper developing solutions may affect the contrast or density of the image but would not typically cause a fuzziness due to motion. Faulty equipment could lead to artifacts or other specific malfunctions, but again, these would manifest differently than the effects of patient movement. Thus, the primary cause of a blurred x-ray image is indeed patient movement, as it directly impacts the clarity of the resulting image.