What is the other name of pyridoxine?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Pyridoxine is the chemical name for Vitamin B6, a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B-complex group.
It exists in three interconvertible forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine.
Its active coenzyme form, Pyridoxal Phosphate (PLP), is a critical cofactor in over 100 enzymatic reactions, primarily related to amino acid metabolism.
Vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (like serotonin and GABA), the production of heme for red blood cells, and the conversion of tryptophan to niacin (Vitamin B3).

Option A: Vitamin B2 is not pyridoxine. Its chemical name is Riboflavin.
Option B: Vitamin B12 is not pyridoxine. Its chemical name is Cobalamin.
Option C: Vitamin K is not pyridoxine. It is a fat-soluble vitamin with chemical names like Phylloquinone and Menaquinones.

Visual 1: Chart: A visual chart listing the B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) with their common and chemical names. This helps in memorizing the nomenclature.
Visual 2: Diagram: A simple diagram showing the role of Pyridoxal Phosphate (PLP) as a coenzyme in an amino acid transamination reaction, highlighting its importance in metabolism.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Nomenclature of Vitamins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is monitoring patients on Isoniazid (INH) therapy for signs of peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, burning pain), which indicates Vitamin B6 deficiency.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses must explain to patients taking INH why they also need to take pyridoxine supplements to prevent nerve damage.
What if? If a patient on INH therapy develops symptoms of peripheral neuropathy despite standard B6 supplementation, the nurse should promptly report this to the physician. The patient may have an absorption issue or require a higher dose of pyridoxine.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vitamin nomenclature.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'pyridoxine'.
Next, systematically review the options provided, which are common names for various vitamins.
Recall the association between the chemical name 'pyridoxine' and its common name, 'Vitamin B6'.
To confirm, mentally eliminate the other options by recalling their chemical names: Vitamin B2 is Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 is Cobalamin, and Vitamin K is Phylloquinone/Menaquinone.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-3rd)

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