Which term is defined as bulbous fingertips from chronic hypoxia?

• A. Hypoxemia
• B. Oxygen Therapy
• C. Clubbing
• D. Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Answer: (C)

Clubbing describes bulbous fingertip changes that occur with chronic low oxygen levels. It shows up as enlargement and rounding of the distal digits, with the nail beds becoming curved and a soft, spongy feel at the nail base; the angle between the nail plate and the proximal fold often increases beyond a normal range. This sign develops over time in people with long-standing hypoxemia from lung diseases (like chronic obstructive lung disease, interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis) or certain heart conditions that reduce oxygen delivery.

The underlying idea is that persistent low oxygen signals lead to vascular and connective tissue changes in the nail bed, resulting in the characteristic fingertip appearance.

Hypoxemia refers to low oxygen in the blood itself, not a visible finger change. Oxygen therapy is the treatment used to raise blood oxygen. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a separate problem—air collecting in the pleural space causing lung collapse.