Which sign involves nails that are shiny and abnormally curved?

• A. Cyanosis
• B. Clubbing
• C. Edema
• D. Xerosis

Answer: (B)

Nail clubbing is the sign described here. It involves nails that become rounded and curved with a shiny appearance and an increased angle where the nail meets the finger, giving a drumstick-like look to the fingertips. This change reflects altered blood flow and tissue growth from chronic hypoxia or inflammatory lung or heart conditions. A quick bedside clue is that the small diamond-shaped window seen when opposing nail beds (Schamroth sign) is lost in clubbing. This nail finding is distinct from cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the nails or skin due to low oxygen), edema (swelling), or xerosis (dry skin).