Question

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Explanation:

Identify the core clinical condition

The question asks about the clinical manifestations of a client with vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and maintaining connective tissue integrity.

Analyze the physiological effects of deficiency

Without adequate vitamin C, collagen synthesis is impaired, leading to weakened capillary walls and fragile connective tissues. This manifests as easy bruising, petechiae, poor wound healing, and joint pain.

Evaluate the clinical options

• Diarrhea: Not a classic or primary sign of vitamin C deficiency.
• Bleeding gums: A hallmark sign of scurvy. Impaired collagen synthesis leads to fragile capillaries in the gingival tissues, causing swelling, bleeding, and loose teeth.
• Swollen tongue: Typically associated with deficiencies in B-complex vitamins (such as riboflavin, niacin, or B12), known as glossitis.
• Impaired vision: Not a primary manifestation of vitamin C deficiency (vitamin A deficiency is classically associated with vision issues like night blindness).

Select the correct clinical finding

Bleeding gums is the classic, direct manifestation of vitamin C deficiency due to capillary fragility and defective collagen synthesis.

Answer:

• Diarrhea
• Bleeding gums (Correct answer)
• Swollen tongue
• Impaired vision