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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The abnormal nail finding was koilonychia, which occurs in patients with anemia who frequently have pale conjunctiva. Jaundice is due to increased serum bilirubin, indicating liver or gallbladder disease, and does not create changes in nail structure. Ecchymosis occurs after trauma to the blood vessel resulting in bleeding under the tissue and does not cause changes in nail structure. Rashes indicate an inflammation or allergic reaction that does cause changes in the nails.

A Nurse Notices a Patient's Nails Are Thin and Depressed