Which of the following deficiency disease is caused by deficiency of Thiamine (B1)?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Explanation

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is essential for carbohydrate metabolism, providing energy for the body, especially the brain and nervous system.
A severe deficiency of thiamine leads to the disease Beriberi.
Beriberi manifests in two primary forms: 'wet' beriberi, affecting the cardiovascular system, and 'dry' beriberi, affecting the nervous system.
The name 'beriberi' originates from a Sinhalese word meaning 'extreme weakness,' reflecting the severe fatigue and muscle wasting associated with the condition.

Option A: Angular stomatitis, characterized by inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth, is most commonly associated with a deficiency of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), not Thiamine.
Option B: Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of Niacin (Vitamin B3). It is classically characterized by the 'three Ds': dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
Option C: Glossitis, which is inflammation of the tongue, is a non-specific sign and can be caused by deficiencies of several B vitamins (including Riboflavin, Niacin, and B12), as well as other nutrients like iron. It is not exclusively caused by thiamine deficiency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Vitamin Deficiency Diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must be vigilant in assessing at-risk populations for thiamine deficiency, such as patients with chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, or those who have undergone bariatric surgery.
A critical nursing intervention is to administer thiamine BEFORE giving glucose-containing IV fluids to a malnourished or alcoholic patient. Giving glucose first can precipitate Wernicke's encephalopathy, a severe and acute neurological condition.
What if? If a patient presents with confusion, ataxia (unsteady gait), and ophthalmoplegia (abnormal eye movements), the nurse should suspect Wernicke's encephalopathy and advocate for immediate IV thiamine administration, even before lab results confirm the deficiency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to link a specific vitamin (Thiamine, B1) to its corresponding deficiency disease.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge base about water-soluble vitamins and their deficiency syndromes.
Evaluate each option:
Recall that Angular stomatitis is linked to Riboflavin (B2).
Recall that Pellagra is the classic disease for Niacin (B3) deficiency.
Recall that Glossitis is a general sign for several B-vitamin deficiencies.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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