American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is a key feature of zinc deficiency in addition to poor wound healing?

1. Peripheral neuropathy

2. Anosmia

3. Pancytopenia

4. Encephalopathy

The correct answer is: Anosmia

A key feature of zinc deficiency, in addition to poor wound healing, is anosmia, which is the loss of the sense of smell. Zinc plays a crucial role in numerous biological functions, including the maintenance of olfactory receptors. When zinc levels are low, individuals may experience dysfunction in this area, leading to distorted or complete loss of smell. Anosmia associated with zinc deficiency can significantly impact a person's quality of life, affecting not just the enjoyment of food but also safety, as the ability to detect hazards (like smoke or spoiled food) is compromised. The neurological pathways involved in olfaction are sensitive to zinc levels, and its deficiency can disrupt these pathways, resulting in anosmia. In contrast, while other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, pancytopenia, and encephalopathy have their associations and underlying mechanisms, they are not classic hallmark features directly related to zinc deficiency. Instead, anosmia is a more directly linked manifestation of inadequate zinc in the body.