A 55-year-old homeless man presents to the emergency room and is noted to have bleeding gums. He has several ecchymoses over his shins and forearms. A complete blood count shows hemoglobin of 11 g/dL and an elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Which vitamin deficiency is responsible for his symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vitamin C deficiency is responsible for the symptoms described, including bleeding gums and ecchymoses, which are signs of scurvy. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and its deficiency leads to weakened blood vessel walls, causing the symptoms observed.

A 55-Year-Old Homeless Man Presents to the Emergency Room and Is