Question

A patient on long-term hydrochlorothiazide develops neuropathy, heart failure, and symmetrical paresthesia. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely responsible?

• A. Selenium
• B. Thiamine
• C. Vitamin B12
• D. Zinc

Hint:

Thiamine deficiency causes dry beriberi with neuropathy and wet beriberi with heart failure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Thiamine deficiency can cause neuropathy and cardiac failure. It is associated with beriberi.

Step 1: Identify symptoms.
The patient has: \[ \text{Neuropathy + paresthesia + heart failure} \] This suggests thiamine deficiency.

Step 2: Recall thiamine deficiency syndromes.
Thiamine deficiency causes: \[ \text{Dry beriberi} = \text{neuropathy} \] \[ \text{Wet beriberi} = \text{heart failure} \]

Step 3: Choose the nutrient.
Therefore, the most likely deficiency is: \[ \text{Thiamine} \]