Scurvy is caused by the deficiency of which vitamin?

Appeared in: RML Lucknow - 2021

Explanation

Scurvy is caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. Its deficiency impairs the formation of stable collagen, which is a vital protein for connective tissues.
The breakdown of connective tissue integrity leads to the classic symptoms of scurvy, including bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and hemorrhages.
Unlike the other vitamins listed, only Vitamin C deficiency is directly linked to the development of scurvy.

Option A: Vitamin B12 deficiency does not cause scurvy. It primarily leads to megaloblastic anemia and various neurological problems due to its role in DNA synthesis and nerve function.
Option B: Vitamin K deficiency results in bleeding disorders, not scurvy. Its primary function is to aid in the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.
Option D: Vitamin D deficiency causes bone deformities like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults due to its role in calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamin deficiency diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should assess patients for signs of malnutrition, especially in high-risk populations like the elderly, alcoholics, and those with restrictive diets. Recognizing signs like bleeding gums or easy bruising can be an early indicator of scurvy.
Patient education is a key nursing role. Nurses should educate patients and their families about the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to prevent vitamin deficiencies.
What if? If a patient presents with bleeding gums and is on anticoagulant therapy, a nurse should not assume it's only due to the medication. A thorough dietary history should be taken to rule out underlying nutritional deficiencies like scurvy, which could exacerbate bleeding.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is a specific vitamin deficiency disease.
The keyword is 'Scurvy'. Your task is to recall or determine which vitamin is associated with this condition.
Evaluate each option by linking the vitamin to its primary function and deficiency disease.
Option A (Vitamin B12) is linked to anemia and nerve issues.
Option B (Vitamin K) is linked to blood clotting.
Option C (Vitamin C) is linked to collagen synthesis and scurvy.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

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

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 513-515

Practise the full RML Lucknow - 2021

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