MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)
Applied Nutrition & Dietetics
Easy

Scurvy Deficiancy of

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

  • Scurvy is the clinical syndrome resulting from a severe and prolonged deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
  • Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen synthesis. Impaired collagen production weakens connective tissues throughout the body.
  • This leads to the classic signs of scurvy, including bleeding gums, poor wound healing, perifollicular hemorrhages, and bone pain in growing children.
  • Humans cannot synthesize Vitamin C and must obtain it from dietary sources like citrus fruits, amla, guava, and green leafy vegetables.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: Vitamin D deficiency does not cause scurvy. It impairs calcium and phosphorus absorption, leading to defective bone mineralization.
  • Option B: Vitamin A deficiency is unrelated to scurvy. Its primary roles are in vision, immune function, and maintaining epithelial tissues.
  • Option C: Vitamin B refers to a complex of several different vitamins, none of which cause scurvy. Each B vitamin has a distinct function and associated deficiency disease.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The question tests the knowledge of vitamin deficiency diseases, specifically identifying the vitamin responsible for scurvy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Nurses must be able to identify at-risk populations for scurvy, including the elderly, alcoholics, individuals with malabsorption syndromes, and those on highly restrictive diets.
  • A thorough dietary history is a key nursing assessment tool when a nutritional deficiency is suspected.
  • Patient education is critical, focusing on incorporating Vitamin C-rich foods into the daily diet to prevent recurrence.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the keyword in the question, which is 'Scurvy'.
  • This is a direct recall question that requires you to access your knowledge of major nutritional deficiency diseases.
  • Recall the specific vitamin linked to scurvy.
  • Systematically evaluate the given options: Vitamin D (Rickets), Vitamin A (Night Blindness), Vitamin B (various, e.g., Beriberi, Pellagra), and Vitamin C.
  • Match 'Scurvy' with 'Vitamin C' to select the correct option.
  • Confirm your choice by mentally eliminating the other options based on the diseases they cause.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: The question tests the knowledge of vitamin deficiency diseases, specifically identifying the vitamin responsible for scurvy.
  • Stem keywords: Scurvy, Deficiency
  • Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QZ7o904ejgtslDq55g_NSG

Reference Book

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 448-450

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 370-372

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 514-516

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