Which sign indicates Vitamin C deficiency in a patient receiving chemotherapy?

Which sign indicates Vitamin C deficiency in a patient receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Dry conjunctiva
• B. Swollen, bleeding gums
• C. Inflammation of the tongue
• D. Pale, brittle nails

Answer: (B)

Vitamin C deficiency disrupts collagen formation, so tissues rich in collagen, like the gums, become weak and prone to swelling and bleeding. That makes swollen, bleeding gums the classic, most specific sign of vitamin C deficiency, especially in someone on chemotherapy where intake or absorption can be challenged. Dry conjunctiva points more toward vitamin A status or dehydration; tongue inflammation can arise from several nutrient deficiencies; pale, brittle nails are more typical of iron, zinc, or protein deficiencies. So the gum bleeding is the most direct indicator of vitamin C deficiency.

Vitamin C deficiency disrupts collagen formation, so tissues rich in collagen, like the gums, become weak and prone to swelling and bleeding. That makes swollen, bleeding gums the classic, most specific sign of vitamin C deficiency, especially in someone on chemotherapy where intake or absorption can be challenged. Dry conjunctiva points more toward vitamin A status or dehydration; tongue inflammation can arise from several nutrient deficiencies; pale, brittle nails are more typical of iron, zinc, or protein deficiencies. So the gum bleeding is the most direct indicator of vitamin C deficiency.