Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What symptom is commonly associated with psoriasis?

1. Patches of hair loss

2. Inflammation of the oral cavity

3. Pitting of nails

4. Thick keratotic scaling

The correct answer is: Pitting of nails

The presence of pitting in the nails is indeed a common symptom associated with psoriasis, particularly in its psoriatic arthritis form. This condition often manifests with nail changes such as pitting, ridging, and onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed). The pitting occurs due to the dysregulation of the keratinization process in the nail matrix, leading to small indentations or depressions on the nail surface. In contrast, the other options relate to different conditions. Patches of hair loss are typically associated with alopecia areata rather than psoriasis. Inflammation of the oral cavity may occur in conditions like oral lichen planus or certain infections, but it is not commonly linked to psoriasis. Thick keratotic scaling is more characteristic of other skin conditions, such as keratosis pilaris or certain forms of eczema, rather than being a specific hallmark of psoriasis. Therefore, pitting of nails stands out as a significant and clinically relevant symptom of psoriasis.