Which term is used to describe the characteristic concave or "spoon-shaped" nails of iron deficiency anemia?
- leukonychia
- koilonychia
- clubbing
- onycholysis
- paronychia
Answer: B
Koilonychia
Koilonychia is a spoon-shaping of the nail itself. It is usually a result of iron deficiency anemia. Leukonychia is often associated with hypoalbuminemia that causes partial or complete white discoloration of the nails. Leukonychia may also appear as a rare side effect of systemic chemotherapy in some oncological patients but may also be present with arsenic poisoning, renal failure pneumonia, or heart disease. Clubbing of the nails is an actual thickening or elevation of the nail bed - it is a sign of a release of TNF associated with pulmonary disorders (tissue necrosis factor) typically found in bronchiectasis, lung cancers and cystic fibrosis (the nails are NOT necessarily cyanotic.) Onycholysis is a painless separation of the nail from the nail bed. Several or all nails are usually affected - there are many causes. Paronychia is an infection of the nail bed and nail margin, usually from trauma or more commonly, nail-biting.
Note: * This is part of the Daily PANCE and PANRE in your inbox email series: 60 days of PANCE and PANRE Questions and Answers delivered directly to your inbox. It is a great and fun way to learn! If you haven't already, you can sign up for FREE by clicking Here.
Help support The PA Life for FREE!
This is provided as an opportunity for anyone who appreciates this email series to help support it painlessly. If you are going to be purchasing anything from Amazon.com (books, school supplies, etc.) simply start your next Amazon.com purchase by clicking here... it's a free way for you to help support the cause! Just click over to Amazon.com then, when you make your purchase, Amazon will send a portion of the proceeds to The Physician Assistant Life. The money goes toward paying for one-time and ongoing costs (like equipment, hosting, backup services, etc.). Thank you for supporting the site and keeping this content free!
If you are studying for the PANCE or the PANRE I recommend these review books