Thiamine deficiency results in

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

Explanation

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency causes a spectrum of conditions known as beriberi.
Cardiac beriberi, also called wet beriberi, is a form characterized by high-output cardiac failure, edema, and tachycardia.
Peripheral neuritis is the primary feature of dry beriberi, a neurological form causing sensory and motor nerve damage.
Infantile beriberi is a distinct, often acute, form seen in infants breastfed by thiamine-deficient mothers.
As all the listed conditions are direct consequences of thiamine deficiency, the most comprehensive answer is 'All of the above'.

Option A: This is a correct manifestation (wet beriberi), but it is not the only one listed. The question asks for what the deficiency results in, and other valid options are also presented.
Option B: This is a correct manifestation, but it represents only one specific affected population (infants). The deficiency has broader effects covered by the other options.
Option C: This is a correct manifestation (dry beriberi), but it is not the only one. The deficiency also has significant cardiac effects and a specific form in infants.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical manifestations of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should identify at-risk populations for thiamine deficiency, such as individuals with chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, post-bariatric surgery status, or those on long-term parenteral nutrition.
Early recognition of symptoms is crucial. Neurological signs (ataxia, confusion), cardiovascular signs (tachycardia, edema), or an infant's hoarse cry can indicate deficiency and require urgent intervention.
In the Indian context, populations consuming predominantly polished rice are at higher risk. Nursing education on dietary diversification and proper food preparation (e.g., not discarding rice-cooking water) is vital.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core concept: the consequences of 'Thiamine deficiency'.
Evaluate each option to determine if it's a known result of this deficiency.
Recognize 'Cardiac Beriberi' as wet beriberi.
Recognize 'Infantile Beriberi' as a specific form in infants.
Recognize 'Peripheral neuritis' as the main feature of dry beriberi.
When multiple options are individually correct statements, check if an 'All of the above' option exists. If so, it is usually the most complete and correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 504-506

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1516-1518

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-1st

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