A 50-year-old patient has been brought to the emergency ...

[jenna1]

A 50-year-old patient has been brought to the emergency department after a housemate found that the patient could not get out of bed alone. He has lived in a group home for years but for several months has not participated in the activities and has stayed
 
  in his room. The nurse assesses for signs of undernutrition, and an x-ray study reveals that he has osteomalacia, which is a deficiency of:
  a.
  Iron.
  b.
  Riboflavin.
  c.
  Vitamin D and calcium.
  d.
  Vitamin C.

Question 2

During an assessment of a patient who has been homeless for several years, the nurse notices that his tongue is magenta in color, which is an indication of a deficiency in what mineral and/or vitamin?
 
  a. Iron
  b. Riboflavin
  c. Vitamin D and calcium
  d. Vitamin C

[missalyssa26]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Osteomalacia results from a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium in adults. Iron deficiency would result in anemia, riboflavin deficiency would result in magenta tongue, and vitamin C deficiency would result in scurvy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Magenta tongue is a sign of riboflavin deficiency. In contrast, a pale tongue is probably attributable to iron deficiency. Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies cause osteomalacia in adults, and a vitamin C deficiency causes scorbutic gums.