______ is also known as ascorbic acid?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Explanation

The chemical name for Vitamin C is ascorbic acid, as confirmed in nutritional and biochemical literature.
It is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning the body does not store it in large amounts and it must be consumed regularly.
A key function of ascorbic acid is its role as a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen, the protein responsible for connective tissue health.
It also acts as a powerful antioxidant and enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods.

Option A: Vitamin E's chemical name is Tocopherol. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that primarily functions as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage.
Option C: Vitamin D's chemical name is Calciferol. It is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
Option D: Vitamin A's chemical name is Retinol. It is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth.

Visual 1: Table: A chart listing common vitamins, their chemical names, whether they are fat-soluble or water-soluble, and their primary deficiency diseases. This helps in memorizing the key facts for all major vitamins at a glance.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Chemical names of vitamins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowing the chemical names of vitamins is fundamental for understanding pharmacology, nutrition, and interpreting lab reports.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is often administered post-surgically to promote wound healing due to its critical role in collagen synthesis.
A deficiency, known as scurvy, presents with symptoms like bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and petechiae, which a nurse should be able to recognize.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of basic biochemistry and nutrition.
First, read the question and identify the key term: 'ascorbic acid'.
Mentally scan your knowledge of vitamin names to find a match.
Evaluate each option: 'Vitamin E' is tocopherol, 'Vitamin C' is ascorbic acid, 'Vitamin D' is calciferol, and 'Vitamin A' is retinol.
Select the option that correctly matches the chemical name in the question.
A useful study technique is to create flashcards or a summary table linking vitamins to their chemical names, functions, and deficiency diseases.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

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