Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 126

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An African American female comes to the outpatient clinic. The physician suspects vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Because jaundice is often a clinical manifestation of this type of anemia, what body part would be the best indicator?

  

     A. Conjunctiva of the eye

     B. Soles of the feet

     C. Roof of the mouth

     D. Shins

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Roof of the mouth

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The oral mucosa and hard palate (roof of the mouth) are the best indicators of jaundice in dark-skinned persons.

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Option A: The conjunctiva can have normal deposits of fat, which give a yellowish hue.

Option B: The soles of the feet can be yellow if they are calloused.

Option D: The shins would be an area of darker pigment.

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