A 50-year-old patient has been brought to the emergency department after a housemate found that the patient could not get out of bed alone. He has lived in a group home for years but for several months has not participated in the activities and has stayed in his room. The nurse assesses for signs of undernutrition, and an x-ray study reveals that he has osteomalacia. What deficiency is likely the cause?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Osteomalacia results from a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium in adults. Iron deficiency would result in anemia, vitamin C deficiency would result in scurvy, and riboflavin deficiency would result in a magenta tongue.

A 50-Year-Old Patient Has Been Brought to the Emergency Department