What is the primary reason scans should be avoided when a patient experiences severe pain?

Severe pain can significantly hinder a patient's ability to be properly positioned during a bone density scan, which is crucial for obtaining valid and reliable results. Proper positioning ensures that the specific areas of interest are accurately measured, and any movement due to discomfort could introduce errors in the imaging process. If a patient is unable to remain still because of pain, it not only compromises the accuracy of the scan but may also lead to repeated scans or a need for adjustments, causing potential delays in care and unnecessary distress for the patient. Therefore, avoiding scans during episodes of severe pain is primarily focused on maintaining the integrity of the imaging and ensuring that the results are meaningful for diagnostic purposes.