Which finding is characteristic of pernicious anemia?

Which finding is characteristic of pernicious anemia?

• A. Pain
• B. Smooth, red tongue
• C. Burning feeling in feet
• D. Lightheadedness

Answer: (B)

Pernicious anemia is a form of vitamin B12 deficiency, which disrupts DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow and oral mucosa. When the tongue’s mucosa is affected, the papillae disappear, giving the surface a smooth appearance and a bright red color. This mucosal change—smooth, red tongue—is a classic, characteristic finding of B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia. Other options may appear with anemia or neuropathy, but they aren’t defining physical signs of this condition. Pain is a nonspecific symptom, burning feet reflect neuropathic changes, and lightheadedness can occur with anemia in general, but none are as distinctive as the smooth, red tongue.

Pernicious anemia is a form of vitamin B12 deficiency, which disrupts DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow and oral mucosa. When the tongue’s mucosa is affected, the papillae disappear, giving the surface a smooth appearance and a bright red color. This mucosal change—smooth, red tongue—is a classic, characteristic finding of B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia.

Other options may appear with anemia or neuropathy, but they aren’t defining physical signs of this condition. Pain is a nonspecific symptom, burning feet reflect neuropathic changes, and lightheadedness can occur with anemia in general, but none are as distinctive as the smooth, red tongue.