Which finding is common in iron deficiency anemia?

• A. Poor muscle tone
• B. Convex nailbeds
• C. Irritability
• D. Ashen color skin

Answer: (C)

Iron deficiency anemia lowers the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, so tissues don’t get enough oxygen. In children, this often shows up as irritability because the brain and overall body rhythm are sensitive to reduced oxygen delivery. While pallor (ashen skin) is also common due to low hemoglobin, behavioral signs like irritability are particularly characteristic in kids with iron deficiency. Nail changes, when they appear, are usually spoon-shaped and concave (koilonychia), not convex, so convex nailbeds don’t fit. Poor muscle tone isn’t a typical, frequent finding. So irritability best reflects a common presenting feature in iron deficiency anemia.