Zinc deficiency causes, EXCEPT?

NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-1)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Medium

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) is not a recognized clinical feature of zinc deficiency.
Zinc deficiency is associated with a variety of symptoms, but an increase in skin pigment is not among them.
Some mineral deficiencies, like copper deficiency, can cause changes in pigmentation, but this is distinct from zinc deficiency.
The characteristic skin lesion in zinc deficiency is acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rash typically found around the mouth and perineum, not generalized hyperpigmentation.

Option B: This is a classic sign of chronic zinc deficiency. Zinc is essential for cellular growth and protein synthesis, and its absence severely impairs physical development, leading to dwarfism.
Option C: This is a major consequence of zinc deficiency. Zinc is crucial for the function of immune cells, and its deficiency leads to thymic atrophy and impaired immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections.
Option D: This is a well-documented feature of zinc deficiency, particularly in adolescents. Zinc is necessary for normal sexual development and function, and its lack can result in delayed puberty and gonadal atrophy.

Visual 1: Infographic - A chart listing the common signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency, grouping them by system (e.g., Integumentary, Immune, Endocrine, Gastrointestinal).
Visual 2: Image - A clinical photograph of acrodermatitis enteropathica, showing the characteristic periorificial and acral dermatitis, to contrast with generalized pigmentation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to recognize signs of nutritional deficiencies, as they are common in various patient populations, including those with malabsorption syndromes, alcoholism, or on prolonged parenteral nutrition.
Patient education is key. Nurses should educate at-risk patients and their families about dietary sources of zinc (e.g., meat, shellfish, nuts) to prevent deficiency.
What if? - If a patient with chronic diarrhea and poor wound healing also presents with hypopigmented 'kinky' hair, a nurse should consider copper deficiency (Menkes disease) in the differential diagnosis, as symptoms can overlap but have distinct features.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept: the question asks about the symptoms of zinc deficiency.
Note the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a symptom of zinc deficiency.
Recall or look up the major clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency. Key areas affected are growth, immunity, skin, and reproductive development.
Evaluate each option against your knowledge: Is dwarfism a symptom? Yes. Is decreased immunity a symptom? Yes. Is hypogonadism a symptom? Yes.
Consider the remaining option, 'Pigmentation'. Does zinc deficiency cause increased skin pigmentation? No, this is not a characteristic feature. In fact, some deficiencies cause loss of pigment.
Therefore, 'Pigmentation' is the correct answer as it is the exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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