NTP Nutrient Deficiencies & Imbalances 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Subperiosteal hemorrhages and perifollicular hemorrhages in an adult are hallmark signs of deficiency of which nutrient?
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C (Correct answer)
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
Correct answer: Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for collagen synthesis; its deficiency (scurvy) causes fragile blood vessels, leading to subperiosteal and perifollicular hemorrhages.
Question 2: A client taking high-dose supplemental zinc for an extended period is at risk for secondary deficiency of which mineral?
- Iron
- Copper (Correct answer)
- Magnesium
- Selenium
Correct answer: Copper
High zinc intake competitively inhibits copper absorption in the intestine via shared metallothionein binding, leading to copper deficiency.
Question 3: Night blindness as an early symptom of nutrient deficiency suggests which micronutrient is depleted?
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A (Correct answer)
- Lutein
- Zinc
Correct answer: Vitamin A
Vitamin A (retinol) is required to synthesize rhodopsin in rod photoreceptors; deficiency impairs dim-light vision, causing night blindness.
Question 4: A patient on long-term metformin therapy should be monitored for deficiency of which nutrient?
- Folate
- Vitamin B12 (Correct answer)
- Iron
- Vitamin D
Correct answer: Vitamin B12
Metformin reduces vitamin B12 absorption by interfering with calcium-dependent intrinsic factor activity in the ileum, requiring monitoring and often supplementation.
Question 5: Which nutrient deficiency is most directly linked to Keshan disease, a form of cardiomyopathy?
- Iron
- Copper
- Selenium (Correct answer)
- Iodine
Correct answer: Selenium
Keshan disease is an endemic cardiomyopathy linked to selenium deficiency, as selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidase, protecting cardiac tissue from oxidative damage.
Question 6: Angular cheilitis, glossitis, and magenta-colored tongue are clinical signs associated with deficiency of which vitamin?
- Vitamin B12
- Riboflavin (B2) (Correct answer)
- Niacin (B3)
- Thiamine (B1)
Correct answer: Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin (B2) deficiency classically causes angular cheilitis, glossitis, and a characteristic magenta or purplish discoloration of the tongue.
Question 7: Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause prolonged QT interval and increase risk of cardiac arrhythmia?
- Hyponatremia
- Hypomagnesemia (Correct answer)
- Hypercalcemia
- Hyperphosphatemia
Correct answer: Hypomagnesemia
Magnesium plays a critical role in cardiac electrical conduction; hypomagnesemia prolongs the QT interval and predisposes to torsades de pointes arrhythmia.
NTP Nutrient Deficiencies & Imbalances 3
Subperiosteal hemorrhages and perifollicular hemorrhages in an adult are hallmark signs of deficiency of which nutrient?