Which positioning error is likely if the patient is not centered for a submentovertex (SMV) projection?

When a patient is not properly centered for a submentovertex (SMV) projection, the most significant result is likely misrepresentation of the anatomical structure. Proper centering is essential in radiography, as it ensures that the area of interest is adequately captured within the imaging receptor’s field of view. If the patient is off-center, the resulting image may distort the anatomical structures, leading to an inaccurate representation of their size, shape, and position. This misrepresentation can impede accurate diagnosis and assessment, which is critical in clinical practice.

In contrast, other potential errors related to exposure time, radiation dose, or motion blur would not primarily stem from the centering issue itself, but rather from factors related to the imaging technique or the patient's cooperation during the procedure. Therefore, the impact of improper centering predominantly manifests as a distortion of the anatomical details captured in the SMV projection.