Page Contents
OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose topic is vitamin E deficiency. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how vitamin E deficiency will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a traditional question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a topic is quite valuable.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)
When it comes to standardized exams, each topic has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for vitamin E deficiency.
- History/signs of fat malabsorption may be present: this can include clouds such as increased fat content in the stool
- Neurological signs/symptoms similar to subacute combined degeneration (vitamin B12 deficiency):
- Impaired proprioception
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased reflexes
- Unstable gait
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
Explanation # 1
Question # 2
Explanation # 2
TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)
Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying topic. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the topic’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:
- Consequence of deficiency: increased neuronal and erythrocyte membrane susceptibility to oxidative stress (explains their destruction).
Page Updated: 04.28.2017