Which one of the following vitamins helps in wound healing?

Appeared in: BHU NO - 2015

Explanation

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the most critical vitamin for wound healing.
It acts as an essential cofactor for the enzymes responsible for synthesizing and cross-linking collagen, the primary structural protein in skin and connective tissue.
Vitamin C is also vital for the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis) and functions as an antioxidant, protecting the new tissue from damage.
A deficiency directly results in impaired collagen formation, leading to weak tissue and delayed healing, a condition known as scurvy in its severe form.

Option A: Vitamin A is involved in the inflammatory response and epithelialization (skin cell growth), but it is not the primary vitamin responsible for collagen synthesis.
Option B: The Vitamin B complex plays an indirect role. These vitamins function as coenzymes in metabolic pathways that provide energy for the healing process, but they do not have a direct structural role in building new tissue like Vitamin C.
Option D: Vitamin D's main role is in bone health and calcium regulation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. While both support overall health which is conducive to healing, neither has the direct and essential role in collagen formation that Vitamin C does.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Role of vitamins in wound healing helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must assess the nutritional status of patients with acute or chronic wounds, as deficiencies can significantly impede healing.
For post-operative, trauma, or burn patients, advocating for or administering Vitamin C supplements is a key nursing intervention to support tissue repair.
Patient education should include the importance of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (especially citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens) to ensure adequate Vitamin C intake.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question, which is 'wound healing'.
Next, analyze the options provided, which are different vitamins.
Recall the primary physiological function of each vitamin. Think about which function is most directly related to the process of tissue repair.
The key process in wound healing is the formation of collagen, which provides strength and structure to new tissue.
Connect the vitamins to this key process. Vitamin C is famously essential for collagen synthesis.
Select the option that has the most direct and critical role. While other vitamins offer support, Vitamin C is indispensable for building the wound's foundation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 58-60

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) pp. 149-151, 150-152

Practise the full BHU NO - 2015

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