Final answer:
The DEXA scan is not only used for detecting osteoporosis in older people but also for measuring body composition and body fat. It is especially relevant for individuals with risk factors for osteoporosis. Therefore, a 40-year-old female may undergo this scan for these purposes as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
The DEXA scan, or Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a diagnostic tool not just for older people but also for someone like a 40-year-old female client if she has risk factors for osteoporosis or needs to have her body composition analyzed. While DEXA is known for its primary function of measuring bone density and for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, it also has the capacity to assess body composition, including the determination of fat content using two low-dose X-ray beams. The amount of energy absorbed from these beams by the body helps to estimate the bone, lean tissue mass, and fat mass.
A patient's bone density is measured against peak bone density levels to assess for osteoporosis. Factors such as family history, early adult bone density, and hormonal changes can affect an individual's risk for this condition. The best approach to managing this is through preventative measures that include adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercises - strategies that are beneficial regardless of age.
To answer the client's question, option 4 is correct: The scan is also used to measure body composition and body fat, in addition to assessing bone density, which is not exclusively done for older individuals.