Which of the following is a sign of iron deficiency anemia?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Edema
• D. Pallor

Answer: (D)

Pallor signals iron deficiency anemia because the lack of iron lowers hemoglobin levels, reducing the blood’s capacity to give red color to tissues; skin and mucous membranes appear paler as a result, which is a classic outward sign of this condition. The other options don’t fit as typical signs: hypertension isn’t commonly associated with anemia, edema is not a hallmark of iron deficiency, and an increased appetite isn’t a characteristic finding of this condition.