Question

The nurse inspects a client's nails and finds that the nails have concave curves. What could the nurse infer from this observation?

Answer 1

The nurse could infer that nails with a concave curve, known as spoon nails or koilonychia, might indicate iron-deficiency anemia or other health issues such as low blood oxygen saturation and poor blood flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse observes nails with a concave curve, this could be indicative of a condition known as spoon nails or koilonychia. This phenomenon is often associated with iron-deficiency anemia but could also be related to other conditions. Spoon nails are recognized by their concave shape, which can resemble the inside of a spoon, and can result from various health issues. For instance, low blood oxygen saturation or poor blood flow can cause changes in nail morphology. Further medical testing, however, would be necessary to confirm any underlying conditions.