Lack of proper breast compression is most likely to cause which of the following issues?

Lack of proper breast compression is most likely to lead to motion unsharpness. When adequate compression is applied during a mammographic examination, it stabilizes the breast tissue and minimizes motion during imaging. Insufficient compression can allow the breast to move slightly, especially if the patient shifts or breathes, which ultimately affects the sharpness of the images obtained. Clear and detailed images are crucial for accurate interpretation and diagnosis, and any movement—whether from the patient or caused by the breast tissue not being firmly held in place—can lead to images that are blurred or unfocused.

Other factors associated with mammography, such as image saturation or overexposure, generally relate to technical aspects of imaging rather than directly to the effectiveness of compression. Increased radiation dose is typically a consideration when discussing exposure factors and film speed, but it does not directly correlate to the compression applied during the procedure. In summary, proper breast compression is essential not only for image quality but also to ensure accurate diagnostic outcomes, with motion unsharpness being the primary consequence of inadequate compression.