Question

A patient complaints of dry, cracked corners of their mouth. The nurse practitioner diagnoses the patient with angular cheilitis. What labs should the nurse practitioner order to determine if the cause of angular cheilitis is due to pernicious anemia?

a. Potassium
b. Iron
c. Vitamin D
d. Vitamin B12

Answer 1

To diagnose pernicious anemia as the cause of angular cheilitis, a Vitamin B12 lab test should be ordered, since pernicious anemia is characterized by a Vitamin B12 deficiency which can lead to various epithelial problems such as cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine if the cause of angular cheilitis is due to pernicious anemia, the nurse practitioner should order a Vitamin B12 laboratory test. Pernicious anemia is typically caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12 due to poor absorption, which can lead to various symptoms including characteristic lesions of the lips and cracks or sores on the outer surfaces of the lips (cheliosis), often accompanied by fatigue, slowed growth, and digestive problems. It is important to diagnose and treat this condition early to prevent more serious complications.