A patient is admitted for treatment of malnutrition. Which of the following assessment findings would suggest to the nurse the patient is experiencing a vitamin C deficiency?

Question

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Bleeding gums are a classic sign of vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy. Smooth tongue (B) is a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, muscle cramps (C) may be due to a lack of electrolytes like potassium or magnesium, and ataxia (D) may be related to neurological conditions but is not specific to any particular nutrient deficiency.

A Patient Is Admitted for Treatment of Malnutrition