What is the name of the disease caused by Vitamin-D deficiency in adults?

MP CHO-2020

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

Osteomalacia is a metabolic bone disease in adults characterized by inadequate mineralization of newly formed bone matrix (osteoid).
The primary cause is a severe deficiency of Vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium from the intestine.
Unlike osteoporosis where bone mass is lost, in osteomalacia the amount of bone is normal, but it is soft and weak due to incomplete calcification.
This leads to symptoms like bone pain, tenderness, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of fractures.
It is considered the adult equivalent of rickets, which occurs in children with growing bones.

Option A: Club foot (talipes equinovarus) is a congenital deformity, meaning it is present at birth. It involves the foot being twisted out of shape or position and is unrelated to vitamin deficiencies in adulthood.
Option C: Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, a serious condition typically caused by bacteria entering the bone tissue from the bloodstream, an injury, or surgery. It is an inflammatory process, not a metabolic one.
Option D: Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and density, leading to porous and brittle bones. While Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor, the primary pathology is an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, leading to a net loss of bone tissue. Osteomalacia is a defect in mineralization.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology of bone diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the importance of adequate Vitamin D and calcium intake for bone health.
Assessment for risk factors of osteomalacia includes evaluating diet, sun exposure, and history of gastrointestinal or kidney diseases.
Nursing interventions for patients with osteomalacia focus on pain management, fall prevention, and administering prescribed Vitamin D and calcium supplements.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Vitamin-D deficiency' and 'adults'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of metabolic bone diseases.
Evaluate each option based on its definition and cause.
Option A, Club foot, is a congenital deformity, so it can be eliminated.
Option C, Osteomyelitis, is an infection, not a deficiency disease, so it can be eliminated.
Differentiate between Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis. Recall that Osteomalacia is specifically the 'softening' of bones due to poor mineralization from Vitamin D deficiency, while Osteoporosis is the 'thinning' of bones due to loss of mass.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed pp. 446-448, 447-449

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 155-157