The nurse is concerned that an older client has nutritional deficienci

The nurse is concerned that an older client has nutritional deficiencies. What did the nurse find when assessing this client’s nails to make this clinical decision?

1. White spots
2. Curved nails
3. Deep purple areas
4. Spoon-shaped nails
5. Bands across the nails

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1, 4, 5

Rationale 1: White spots may indicate zinc deficiency.

Rationale 2: Curved nails may be a normal finding or indicate a breathing difficulty.

Rationale 3: Deep purple areas indicate an injury to the nail region.

Rationale 4: Spoon-shaped nails may indicate iron deficiency.

Rationale 5: Bands across the nails may indicate protein deficiency.