During an assessment of a patient who has been homeless for several years, the nurse notices that his tongue is magenta in color, which is an indication of a deficiency in what mineral and/or vitamin?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Magenta tongue is a sign of riboflavin deficiency. In contrast, a pale tongue is probably attributable to iron deficiency. Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies cause osteomalacia in adults, and a vitamin C deficiency causes scorbutic gums. A deficiency in iron would cause a pale tongue, not magenta colored.

During an Assessment of a Patient Who Has Been Homeless