Vitamin D deficiency in adults may result-

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

Osteomalacia is the softening of bones in adults due to impaired bone metabolism.
It is primarily caused by inadequate levels of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption.
This deficiency leads to defective mineralization of the newly formed bone matrix, resulting in weak and painful bones.

Option A: Rickets is the term for the effects of vitamin D deficiency in children, not adults.
Option C: Keratomalacia is an eye condition caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin A, not Vitamin D.
Option D: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), not Vitamin D.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vitamin deficiency diseases in adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in identifying populations at risk for vitamin D deficiency, such as the elderly, those with limited sun exposure, and individuals with malabsorption disorders.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses should advise on dietary sources of vitamin D (e.g., fatty fish, fortified milk), the importance of sensible sun exposure, and adherence to prescribed supplements.
What if the patient was a child instead of an adult? In that case, the correct answer would be Rickets, which involves deformities at the bone growth plates, a feature not seen in adult osteomalacia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: 'Vitamin D deficiency' and 'adults'.
Recall the diseases associated with vitamin deficiencies. Specifically, focus on Vitamin D.
Differentiate between the effects of Vitamin D deficiency in children versus adults. Remember that the disease manifestation differs with age.
Evaluate the given options: Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults), Keratomalacia (Vitamin A), and Scurvy (Vitamin C).
Select the option that correctly matches the deficiency (Vitamin D) with the specified population (adults).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 126-128

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 363-365

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 446-448

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

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