During a physical examination, the nurse notes that the patient's skin is dry and flaking, with patches of eczema, and suspects a nutritional deficiency. What additional data should the nurse expect to find to confirm the suspicion?
A) Hair loss and hair that is easily removed from the scalp
B) Inflammation of the tongue and fissured tongue
C) Inflammation of peripheral nerves, and numbness and tingling in extremities
D) Fissures and inflammation of the mouth

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hair loss (alopecia) and hair that is easily removed from the scalp (easy pluck ability), such as dry, flaking skin, is caused by essential fatty acid deficiency. Inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) and fissured tongue are manifestations of a niacin deficiency. Inflammation of peripheral nerves (neuropathy) and numbness and tingling in extremities (paresthesia) are manifestations of a thiamine deficiency. Fissures of the mouth (cheilosis) and inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis) are manifestations of a pyridoxine deficiency.

During a Physical Examination, the Nurse Notes That the Patient's