When performing a skin and nail exam on an older adult female client, the nurse notes that she has longitudinal ridges on her fingernails. What does this finding indicate?

A. Psoriasis. Psoriasis can cause nail changes such as pitting, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. However, longitudinal ridges are not a typical feature of psoriatic nails and are more commonly seen as a benign age-related change. B. An expected variation. Longitudinal ridges on the fingernails are a common finding in older adults due to decreased moisture and slower nail growth. This is considered a normal age-related change rather than a sign of disease. C. Fungal infection. Fungal infections (onychomycosis) usually cause nail discoloration, thickening, brittleness, or separation from the nail bed rather than longitudinal ridging. These infections are more common in toenails and often require antifungal treatment. D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD can lead to clubbing of the nails due to chronic hypoxia, but it does not cause longitudinal ridges. Clubbing involves rounding and enlargement of the fingertips, which is a distinct finding from the ridges seen with aging.