Final answer:
DEXA scanners are used to evaluate bone density and can also determine fat content, but they are not typically used for diagnosing cancerous tumors, blood flow to the heart, determining the sex of a fetus, or diagnosing herniated intervertebral disks. The correct answer is a. Evaluate bone density of the hip.
Step-by-step explanation:
DEXA scanners are primarily used to evaluate bone density, particularly in areas such as the hip. They work by directing two low-dose X-ray beams through the body and measuring the amount of energy absorbed from these beams. The absorption varies depending on the content of bone, lean tissue mass, and fat in the body. By using standardized mathematical formulas, it's possible to accurately estimate fat content as well.
However, while DEXA scanners can assess bone density and body composition, they are not typically used for diagnosing cancerous tumors, blood flow to the heart, the sex of a fetus, or herniated intervertebral disks. Other imaging techniques, such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, ultrasounds, and gamma-ray irradiation, are employed for those purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is a. Evaluate bone density of the hip.