Chapter 20: Nutrition-Related Diseases

All of the following are skin findings associated with obesity EXCEPT:

A. Acrochordons

B. Acanthosis nigricans

C. Keratosis pilaris

D. Seborrheic dermatitis

E. Plantar hyperkeratosis

D. Seborrheic dermatitis is not associated with obesity. Acanthosis nigricans and acrochordons are indicators of development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and their incidence increases with the severity of obesity. Keratosis pilaris can be seen in up to 21% of obese patients. Plantar hyperkeratosis occurs in response to increased foot girth and weight bearing.

A thin adolescent female presenting with xerosis, pruritus, hair thinning, and parotid gland enlargement should be treated with which of the following:

A. Cognitive behavioral therapy

B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

C. Biotin

D. A and B

E. All of the above

D. Cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRIs are mainstays of the treatment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia, as these eating disorders are related to an underlying psychiatric disturbance. In severe cases, it may be necessary to hospitalize the patient and administer parenteral nutrition.

Which of the following is an essential fatty acid:

A. Oleic acid

B. Palmitic acid

C. Linoleic acid

D. Ergosterol

E. Cholesterol

C. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, which provides cellular integrity along with energy storage. Essential fatty acids must be obtained from one's diet as the body is unable to synthesize them.

Beri beri is due to a deficiency in which of the following vitamins?

A. Vitamin A

B. Vitamin B₁

C. Vitamin E

D. Vitamin C

E. Vitamin B₂

B. Vitamin B₁ (thiamine) deficiency causes beri beri. Findings may include congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly, and edema ("wet" beri beri) or peripheral neuropathy ("dry" beri beri).

Deficiency of the vitamin that functions as a cofactor for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent energy metabolism may lead to which of the following conditions?