Which Vitamin deficiency will cause Beriberi disease/Disorder

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine.
Thiamine is a crucial coenzyme for carbohydrate metabolism, and its absence impairs energy generation, particularly affecting the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
There are two main forms: 'wet beriberi' which affects the cardiovascular system (causing heart failure and edema) and 'dry beriberi' which affects the nervous system (causing neuropathy and muscle wasting).
A severe form, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, is often seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism and involves serious neurological symptoms.

Option A: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency does not cause Beriberi. It leads to a different set of conditions.
Option B: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency is not associated with Beriberi.
Option D: Vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency causes a distinct disease called Pellagra, not Beriberi.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Vitamin Deficiencies and Associated Diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must be able to recognize the signs of thiamine deficiency, especially in at-risk populations like patients with chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, or those who have had bariatric surgery, to ensure timely intervention and prevent severe neurological or cardiac damage.
Patient education is a key nursing role. This includes advising patients on dietary sources of thiamine, such as whole grains, meat, and legumes, especially in communities where polished rice is a staple food.
What if? If a patient with a history of heavy alcohol use is admitted and requires intravenous glucose, the nurse must anticipate the risk of precipitating acute Wernicke's encephalopathy. The priority action would be to administer thiamine BEFORE the glucose infusion to prevent this life-threatening complication.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Beriberi'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vitamin deficiencies.
Access your memory about the specific diseases caused by deficiencies of different B vitamins.
Recall that Beriberi is specifically linked to Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
Evaluate the options provided and select 'Vitamin B1'.
Briefly mentally confirm why the other options are incorrect (e.g., B12 causes pernicious anemia, B3 causes pellagra) to solidify your choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q3uzZpeHK9N3qXBLnWUGO2

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 365-367

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 510-512

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 108-110

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