Which of the following is NOT a reason to scan a forearm?

• A. Patient with bilateral hip replacements
• B. Patient over table weight limit
• C. Patient with normal spine
• D. Patient with hyperparathyroidism

Answer: (C)

Scanning a forearm is typically considered when there are specific circumstances that make it difficult or less appropriate to assess bone density in the hip or spine. In the case of a patient with a normal spine, there are no contraindications or concerns regarding the quality of the bone that would necessitate an alternative site for measurement. Hence, this scenario does not provide a valid reason to choose the forearm as the site for scanning.

Conversely, the other options present circumstances where scanning the forearm is reasonable. A patient with bilateral hip replacements may not be able to obtain accurate measurements from the hip region due to the presence of prosthetics. A patient who exceeds the weight limit for the scanning table may also require alternative sites like the forearm, as they cannot safely undergo a standard scan. In patients with hyperparathyroidism, there may be concerns about bone density that warrant a scan at a different site to better evaluate potential abnormalities associated with the condition. Therefore, scanning the forearm is indicated due to these specific patient conditions, reinforcing that a normal spine does not qualify as a reason for such an alternative.