Question

A nurse notices a patient's nails are thin and depressed with the edges turned up. What additional abnormal data should the nurse expect to find on this patient?

a. Pale conjunctiva
b. Jaundice
c. Ecchymosis
d. Rashes

Answer 1

A nurse noting thin, depressed nails with edges turned up may expect additional findings such as pale conjunctiva, which is consistent with iron deficiency anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse notices a patient's nails are thin and depressed with the edges turned up, a condition known as spoon nails or koilonychia, this can often be associated with iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, the nurse may expect to find additional abnormal data in this patient that is consistent with iron deficiency anemia, such as pale conjunctiva. The pale conjunctiva can indicate an overall reduction in red blood cell count or hemoglobin, which aligns with an anemic state. Jaundice, ecchymosis, and rashes are symptoms that can be associated with various conditions but are not typically direct signs of iron deficiency anemia that would cause spoon nails. Jaundice is usually related to liver dysfunction; ecchymosis indicates a tendency to bruise easily which might suggest a clotting disorder; while rashes can result from a multitude of causes including allergic reactions or infections.