Beri-Beri is caused by deficiency of?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

Beri-Beri is the classic disease caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine.
Thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism, acting as a coenzyme to convert food into energy.
The deficiency primarily affects the nervous system (Dry Beri-Beri) and the cardiovascular system (Wet Beri-Beri).
Historically, it was prevalent in populations relying on polished white rice, which lacks the thiamine-rich outer bran.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamin Deficiency and Associated Diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to identify populations at risk for thiamine deficiency, including individuals with chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, those who have had bariatric surgery, or patients on long-term diuretic therapy.
A critical nursing intervention is to ensure thiamine is administered before or with glucose to at-risk patients to prevent the precipitation of Wernicke's encephalopathy, a life-threatening condition.
What if? If a patient with a history of heavy alcohol use is admitted with confusion and is started on an IV dextrose infusion, the nurse's priority is to advocate for immediate thiamine administration to prevent neurological deterioration.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to link a specific disease (Beri-Beri) with its causative nutritional deficiency.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge base about major vitamin deficiencies.
Systematically evaluate each option. Recall that Vitamin A is linked to vision, Vitamin D to bones, and Vitamin B12 to anemia and specific neuropathies.
Recall that Beri-Beri is the classic deficiency syndrome for Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
Select the option that correctly matches the disease to the vitamin.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QefP_9-oG_SXbntcr5cHn4

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 365-367

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 510-512

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 114-116

Practise the full IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.