Disease caused by deficiency of vitamin D is called?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

Rickets is the disease caused by vitamin D deficiency, primarily affecting children.
Vitamin D is crucial for calcium and phosphorus absorption, which are essential for bone mineralization.
A lack of vitamin D leads to insufficient mineralization, resulting in soft, pliable bones and skeletal deformities like bow legs and knock-knees.
In adults, vitamin D deficiency leads to a similar condition called osteomalacia, characterized by softened bones and an increased risk of fractures.

Option B: Beri-Beri is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), not Vitamin D.
Option C: Scurvy is the result of a deficiency in Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), not Vitamin D.
Option D: Keratomalacia is caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin A (Retinol), not Vitamin D.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a key role in identifying children at risk for rickets, such as those with limited sun exposure, dark skin pigmentation, or exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation.
Patient education is a critical nursing intervention, focusing on dietary sources of vitamin D (fortified milk, fatty fish), the importance of sensible sun exposure, and adherence to supplementation schedules.
During physical assessments, nurses should look for signs of rickets, including delayed motor milestones, bone pain, and skeletal deformities, and report findings to the healthcare provider for timely diagnosis and treatment.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question. First, identify the core concept being tested, which is the link between a specific vitamin and its deficiency disease.
Read the question carefully to identify the specific vitamin in question: Vitamin D.
Recall or deduce the disease associated with Vitamin D deficiency from your knowledge of nutrition and metabolic disorders.
Evaluate each option: Rickets (Vitamin D), Beri-Beri (Vitamin B1), Scurvy (Vitamin C), and Keratomalacia (Vitamin A).
Select the option that correctly matches the vitamin deficiency mentioned in the stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 126-128

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 132-134

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 102-104

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