Multiple Choice More than one choice may apply. In investigating the cause of thinning hair, which of the following questions needs to be asked? a. Is the diet deficient in proteins? b. Is the person taking megadoses of vitamin C? c. Has the person been exposed to excessive radiation? d. Has the person recently suffered severe emotional trauma?

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Step 1: Consider the role of proteins in hair health. Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. A deficiency in dietary proteins can lead to weakened hair structure and thinning.

Step 2: Evaluate the impact of vitamin C on hair. While vitamin C is important for collagen production and iron absorption, megadoses are not typically linked to hair thinning. However, consider the overall nutritional balance.

Step 3: Assess the effects of radiation exposure. Excessive radiation can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss or thinning.

Step 4: Examine the influence of emotional trauma. Severe emotional stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase, resulting in noticeable thinning.

Step 5: Analyze each factor's potential contribution to hair thinning and consider if multiple factors could be interacting to cause the observed condition.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in proteins, can significantly impact hair health. Proteins are essential for the production of keratin, the primary structural component of hair. A diet lacking in adequate protein can lead to hair thinning or loss, making it a critical question to consider when investigating hair issues.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as exposure to excessive radiation, can adversely affect hair growth and health. Radiation can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Understanding a person's environmental exposures is vital in diagnosing the cause of thinning hair.

Psychological Stress

Severe emotional trauma can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair follicles enter a resting phase and subsequently shed more hair than usual. This psychological aspect is crucial to explore, as stress-related hair loss can be reversible once the underlying emotional issues are addressed.