A condition that causes thin, concave nails, raised at edges, looking like a spoon is called?

DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Koilonychia is the medical term for nails that have lost their normal convexity and become concave, resembling a spoon.
The description in the question—thin, concave nails with raised edges—is the classic presentation of koilonychia.
This condition is most frequently associated with chronic iron-deficiency anemia, where there is insufficient iron to produce healthy, strong nails.
It can also be seen in other conditions like hemochromatosis, Plummer-Vinson syndrome, or result from occupational trauma.

Option A: Paronychia is an infection of the tissue surrounding the nail (nail fold), characterized by inflammation, pain, and swelling, not a change in the nail's shape.
Option B: Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the nail bed due to poor oxygenation. It affects the color under the nail, not the shape of the nail plate itself.
Option D: Clubbing is the opposite of koilonychia. It involves the thickening and rounding of the fingertips and a convex, downward-curving nail, with an increased angle between the nail and cuticle.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of nail abnormalities and their clinical significance as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Observing koilonychia during a routine assessment is a crucial finding that should prompt the nurse to screen for signs of iron-deficiency anemia, such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.
Patient education is vital. The nurse should explain the link between the nail changes and potential nutritional deficiencies and advise on an iron-rich diet (e.g., red meat, spinach, legumes) and the importance of follow-up.
What if? If the patient's nails were convex and the fingertips were swollen and bulbous, the nurse's priority would shift from assessing for anemia to investigating potential chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, as these are classic signs of clubbing.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question's description. The key phrases are 'thin, concave nails', 'raised at edges', and 'looking like a spoon'.
This is a direct recall question. Your goal is to match the description to the correct medical term.
Define each option in your mind. What does Paronychia look like? What is Cyanosis? What is Koilonychia? What is Clubbing?
Compare the description in the stem to your definitions. 'Spoon-shaped' is the classic sign of Koilonychia.
Eliminate the other options. Paronychia is an infection. Cyanosis is a color change. Clubbing is a convex shape, the opposite of the description.
Confirm your choice. Koilonychia perfectly matches the description of spoon-shaped nails.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of nail abnormalities and their clinical significance.
Stem keywords: thin, concave nails, raised at edges, spoon
Lead-in keywords: is called
Negative lead-in flag: false

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