Vitamin D and Nutritional Rickets

Vitamin D plays a critical role in many normal bodily functions as well as fighting against a wide number of health barriers. In an article by Jacqueline Kanopa, studies revealed that exposure to ultraviolet rays play a huge part in Vitamin D production, as well as having preventative effects on a disorder known as rickets; which leads to weakened bones due to lack of Vitamin D. This study supports the belief that exposure to UV rays play a critical role in Vitamin D production, and can be beneficial to those prone to certain

Rickets is seen during periods of rapid growth because during growth a great deal of vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium are needed. “The predominant cause is a vitamin D deficiency, but lack of adequate calcium in the diet may also lead to rickets. Although it can occur in adults, the majority of cases occur in children suffering from severe malnutrition, usually resulting from famine or starvation during the early stages of childhood” (Rickets, 2007). If a child is severely lacking theses important vitamins and minerals when they are rapidly growing, then the body will compensate for the nutrients’ deficiencies. “Your body senses an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in your bloodstream and reacts by taking calcium and phosphorus from your bones to raise blood levels to where they need to be. This softens or weakens the bone structure, resulting most commonly in skeletal deformities such as bowlegs or improper curvature of the spine” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2006).

Explain (no lists!) in order of priority your initial nursing actions/interventions identified for Charlie Snow based on physical findings.

The body can synthesize vitamin D with the help of sunlight, from a precursor that the body makes from cholesterol. Osteoporosis is, " any failure to synthesize adequate vitamin D or obtain enough from foods sets the stage for a loss of calcium from the bones, which can result in fractures" (Whitney & Rolfes, 2013, p. 349). There are several common risk factors for developing osteoporosis, which lead to the condition of reduced bone density.

Each article analysed, as well as professional interviews indicated that rickets is the leading disease connected to bone deformities such as Genu Valgum (Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, 2014; Bowed legs, Blount's Disease, n.d) This is supported by orthopaedic surgeon Dr David Hermann (Hermann, 2016) who stated in an interview ‘’It can be caused through a fracture, trauma or a disease, a common one of is Rickets.’’ To elaborate, rickets is a vitamin D deficiency common in children; it causes a child to suffer from submissive bones and joints, as well as excruciating muscle pain. Rickets can develop through a number of causes, for example; naturally darker skin and lack of sun exposure. It is a key element to the body because of its ability to break down calcium, ultimately creating strong and healthy bones (Rickets, 2016; Shapiro, F

prioritise. In this case study the child was seen and treatment recommended in a short space of time,

The volume of rickets-related cases has been increasing internationally, and malnutrition persistently remains to be the leading cause. Malnutrition, amongst children diagnosed with rickets, occurs as a result of food insecurity due to unavailability of food, lack of access to food and poor utilization (due to a person's inability to select, take-in and absorb the nutrients in the food). Clinical social workers can and should always discuss the importance and, or the possibility of parents attaining a living wage to combat this illness. Medical social workers must presume roles as educator, facilitator, researcher, advocators amongst the interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal care for patients and to assist the family as they aim towards

Since I have lacked to meet adequate amounts, I am at risk for certain deficiencies. Deficiency symptoms for vitamin A are fairly common and results in night blindness, eye disease, dry pimply skin, increased infections, and kidney stones. Deficiency symptoms for vitamin D include soft bones, soft teeth, and rickets, although it

Insufficient Vitamin D supply/intake: Vitamin D assists the absorption of calcium from the intestines. A lack of vitamin D causes bone to have insufficient calcium, which further weakens bones and increases the risk of

8. Intervention: Consult a case manager or social worker. Rationale: Some patients might not have resources or support to carry out proper care.

have seen throughout this course, the earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes. However in

Calcium or vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakened bones. Many parts of your body need calcium to function such as

There are numerous factors that contribute to the development of this horrible disease, but the most important factor is vitamin D deficiency. When the minerals in osteoid crystallize, they require adequate concentration of calcium and phosphate. When the concentration is not at the correct level, ossification does not proceed normally (Huether & McCance, 2008). Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium from the intestine. When there is a lack of vitamin D, the concentration of calcium begins to fall (Huether & McCance, 2008). The body begins to regulate this calcium drop by increases the amount of PTH synthesis and secretion (Huether & McCance, 2008). An increase of PTH causes a clearance of phosphate and without the correct levels of phosphate mineralization of the bones cannot proceed in the correct manor (Huether & McCance, 2008). The abnormality of bone growth can occur in spongy and compact bone (Mayo

Adynamic bone disease (ABD) is increasingly recognized, especially in dialysis patients treated with oral calcium carbonate, vitamin D supplements, or supra-physiological dialysate calcium . The cause is unknown, but a constant low PTH level plays a major role. PTH maintains calcium levels in the body. A decrease in calcium levels causes an increase in PTH production, this now causes calcium to be resorb in the bones losing density and strength as a result. In ESRD patients the active form of vitamin D needed for bone metabolism produced in the kidneys is deficient.

A diagnosis is well-explained and interventions are also timely scheduled, but there is not enough information on expected outcomes from each intervention.