Pellagra is caused by the deficiency of vitamin:

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2020

Explanation

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient required for various metabolic reactions in the body.
A severe deficiency of niacin leads to a systemic disease called Pellagra.
Pellagra is classically characterized by the "4 Ds": Dermatitis (a sun-sensitive rash, often seen as Casal's necklace), Diarrhea, Dementia, and if left untreated, Death.
It is often seen in populations with a diet low in niacin and tryptophan, such as those relying heavily on maize, or in individuals with alcohol use disorder.

Option A: Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency causes Beriberi, not Pellagra.
Option B: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) deficiency causes Ariboflavinosis, not Pellagra.
Option D: Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) deficiency does not cause Pellagra.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamin B-complex deficiencies and associated diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be vigilant in assessing for nutritional deficiencies, especially in high-risk populations like individuals with alcohol use disorder, malabsorption syndromes, or those on restrictive diets (e.g., corn-based).
Early recognition of signs like a symmetric, sun-exposed rash (dermatitis) or unexplained confusion can lead to timely intervention with niacin supplementation, preventing severe neurological damage or death.
Patient education on balanced nutrition, including sources of niacin and tryptophan (e.g., meat, fish, legumes, enriched cereals), is a key nursing role in preventing pellagra.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that links a specific disease to its underlying nutritional cause.
First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is "Pellagra".
Access your knowledge base regarding vitamins and their corresponding deficiency diseases.
Systematically evaluate each option to find the correct association:
Thiamine (B1) deficiency is linked to Beriberi.
Riboflavin (B2) deficiency is linked to Ariboflavinosis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 512-514

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 138-140

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2020

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