Vitamin deficiencies, especially the B-complex vitamins, seldom occur in isolation. Folate, a B-complex vitamin, is the exception because it functions separately from other vitamins.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The first statement is true; the second is false. If a deficiency of one vitamin is suspected, symptoms of other vitamin B deficiencies also may be present. Folate deficiencies usually occur with other nutrient deficiencies. Specifically, folate functions in conjunction with vitamins B12 and C in maintaining normal levels of mature red blood cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is sodium. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and is the primary cation in extracellular fluids like plasma and interstitial fluid. Potassium is the primary cation within cells, not in extracellular fluids, making it an incorrect choice. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals but are not the principal cations in plasma and interstitial fluid, so they are also incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Iron. The provided extract mentions that iodine deficiency can cause delayed tooth eruption, enlarged tongue, stillbirths, altered craniofacial growth, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, depression, and goiter. Zinc, Sodium, and Potassium are not associated with these specific symptoms. Zinc deficiency can lead to other health issues but not the ones mentioned. Sodium and Potassium imbalances do not typically result in the symptoms described in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium. Chronic potassium deficiency can lead to hypertension, heart attack, stroke, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. Patients experiencing this deficiency may feel tired, weak, and irritable without knowing the cause. Choice A (Zinc) is incorrect as zinc deficiency presents with different symptoms. Choice B (Iron) deficiency is associated with anemia symptoms, not the conditions listed. Choice C (Sodium) deficiency typically manifests as muscle cramps, weakness, and confusion, not the conditions described in the question.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A deficiency in iron can lead to various symptoms, such as microcytic anemia, fatigue, faulty digestion, blue sclerae, pale conjunctivae, and tachycardia. Iron-deficiency anemia may be caused by inadequate dietary intake; accelerated demand or losses; and inadequate absorption secondary to diarrhea, decreased acid secretions, or antacid therapy. Iron deficiency is frequently the result of postnatal feeding practices and has a serious impact on growth and mental and psychomotor development in infants and children. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as zinc deficiency typically presents with symptoms like impaired wound healing, taste abnormalities, and hair loss; sodium deficiency can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, dizziness, and confusion; and potassium deficiency may cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms.