Which finding is commonly associated with poor nutrition?

Which finding is commonly associated with poor nutrition?

• A. Joint swelling
• B. Dry brittle hair and nails
• C. Hearing loss
• D. Increased thirst

Answer: (B)

Poor nutrition disrupts tissue-building, and hair and nails are especially sensitive because they rely on adequate protein and micronutrients. When intake is insufficient, keratin formation for both hair and nails is affected, leading to dry, brittle hair and nails that crack or break easily. Deficiencies in protein, zinc, biotin, and essential fatty acids, along with overall energy deficiency, commonly show up as these changes. By contrast, joint swelling points to inflammatory or orthopedic issues, hearing loss isn’t a typical sign of malnutrition, and increased thirst more often indicates diabetes or dehydration. So the feature most commonly linked to poor nutrition is dry, brittle hair and nails.

Poor nutrition disrupts tissue-building, and hair and nails are especially sensitive because they rely on adequate protein and micronutrients. When intake is insufficient, keratin formation for both hair and nails is affected, leading to dry, brittle hair and nails that crack or break easily. Deficiencies in protein, zinc, biotin, and essential fatty acids, along with overall energy deficiency, commonly show up as these changes. By contrast, joint swelling points to inflammatory or orthopedic issues, hearing loss isn’t a typical sign of malnutrition, and increased thirst more often indicates diabetes or dehydration. So the feature most commonly linked to poor nutrition is dry, brittle hair and nails.