Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What symptom is often associated with B12 deficiency anemia?

1. Spoon-shaped nails and pica

2. An abnormal neurological exam

3. A vegan diet

4. Tingling and numbness of both feet

The correct answer is: Tingling and numbness of both feet

Tingling and numbness of both feet are often associated with B12 deficiency anemia because vitamin B12 is crucial for the maintenance of the nervous system. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to neurological damage, which manifests as paresthesia, including the sensations of tingling or numbness, particularly in the extremities. This condition occurs due to the myelin sheath's degradation, which is necessary for proper nerve function. While other options refer to symptoms or contexts related to B12 deficiency, they do not specifically encapsulate the direct effects of the deficiency on the nervous system. For instance, an abnormal neurological exam can be a result of several conditions and isn’t exclusively linked to B12 deficiency. A vegan diet can be a risk factor for B12 deficiency due to the absence of animal-derived food sources but is not a symptom of the deficiency itself. Spoon-shaped nails and pica are conditions associated with iron deficiency anemia rather than B12 deficiency. Therefore, the tingling and numbness most directly reflect the neurological implications of a B12 deficiency, making it the correct association in this context.