Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Koilonychia is associated with which condition?

1. A) Lead poisoning

2. B) Beta thalassemia trait

3. C) B12 deficiency anemia

4. D) Iron-deficiency anemia

The correct answer is: D) Iron-deficiency anemia

Koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, is characterized by a concave shape of the nails, which can be a visible manifestation of various underlying health conditions. The correct association of koilonychia with iron-deficiency anemia is well-documented in medical literature. Iron-deficiency anemia affects hemoglobin production and leads to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. Because nails are sensitive indicators of systemic health, they can reflect changes in nutritional status or anemia. In individuals with iron-deficiency anemia, the lack of iron impacts the structure and strength of the nails, resulting in the distinctive spoon-like appearance known as koilonychia. In contrast, while lead poisoning, beta thalassemia trait, and B12 deficiency anemia have their own nail and skin manifestations, they do not commonly result in koilonychia. Lead poisoning is more associated with other signs such as Burton’s line and can cause a variation in appearance, but not specifically koilonychia. Beta thalassemia trait may present with other symptoms related to erythropoiesis, and B12 deficiency anemia is more likely to show changes such as pallor or glossitis rather than the nail changes characteristic of iron deficiency. Thus, the most accurate choice linking koil