"Beri-beri" syndrome is caused by which vitamin deficiency?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2018

Explanation

Beri-beri is the classic disease caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.
Thiamine is a crucial coenzyme for reactions in carbohydrate metabolism, which generates energy for cells. The nervous system and heart are highly dependent on this process and are thus severely affected by its deficiency.
The condition manifests in two primary forms: 'wet' beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular system leading to heart failure and edema, and 'dry' beriberi, which affects the nervous system causing neuropathy and muscle wasting.
Populations at risk include those with diets based on polished rice, chronic alcohol use disorder, and malabsorption syndromes.

Option A: Deficiency of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is not associated with Beri-beri.
Option B: Deficiency of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) causes a different set of symptoms and is not responsible for Beri-beri.
Option D: Deficiency of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) results in a condition called ariboflavinosis, not Beri-beri.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must be vigilant in identifying patients at high risk for thiamine deficiency, such as those with chronic alcohol use, severe malnutrition, hyperemesis gravidarum, or post-bariatric surgery.
Assessment should include dietary history, neurological examination (checking for neuropathy), and cardiovascular status (monitoring for tachycardia and edema).
What if? If a malnourished patient with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted and requires IV fluids, the nurse must anticipate the provider's order to administer thiamine before starting a glucose-containing infusion. This action prevents the precipitation of Wernicke's encephalopathy, a medical emergency.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vitamin deficiencies.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Beri-beri syndrome'.
Access your memory of nutritional disorders and the specific diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies.
Systematically evaluate each option, linking the vitamin to its known deficiency disease.
Recall that Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is the direct cause of Beri-beri.
Eliminate the other options by recalling the distinct symptoms associated with their deficiencies (e.g., B2 with cheilosis, B6 with neuropathy/anemia).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QK-j5x0nHMBzogU1LG3u1V

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

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

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 734-736

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