{"id":135651,"date":"2024-09-05T14:18:13","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T14:18:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learnexams.com\/blog\/?p=135651"},"modified":"2024-09-05T14:18:18","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T14:18:18","slug":"the-nurse-observes-the-presence-of-brittle-concave-curves-to-the-nails-of-a-client-on-assessment-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnexams.com\/blog\/2024\/09\/05\/the-nurse-observes-the-presence-of-brittle-concave-curves-to-the-nails-of-a-client-on-assessment-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The nurse observes the presence of brittle, concave curves to the nails of a client on assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The nurse observes the presence of brittle, concave curves to the nails of a client on assessment. Which information should the nurse obtain from the client that may explain the appearance of the nails?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A.
Coronary heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B.
Iron deficiency anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C.
Diabetes mellitus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D.
Recent candida Infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct answer is B. Iron deficiency anemia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brittle, concave nails, also known as koilonychia<\/strong>, are commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia<\/strong>. This condition affects the body’s ability to produce adequate hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. When iron levels are low, the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin is compromised, leading to a lack of oxygen delivery to various tissues, including the nails. As a result, nails become fragile, thin, and often develop a spoon-shaped or concave appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Koilonychia is typically a sign of prolonged iron deficiency, which can be caused by various factors. These include insufficient dietary intake of iron, chronic blood loss (such as from gastrointestinal bleeding or heavy menstruation), malabsorption disorders (like celiac disease), or increased iron demand (as seen in pregnancy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron is crucial for maintaining healthy tissues, including nails. The reduced oxygen supply due to anemia weakens the nails, leading to changes in texture and appearance. Along with brittle, concave nails, individuals with iron deficiency anemia may experience other symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath due to reduced oxygenation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other options do not directly correlate with the presence of brittle, concave nails:<\/p>\n\n\n\n