Mehlman High Yield Risk Factors Practice Test

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) depend on proper fat digestion and pancreatic enzymes to be absorbed. When fat absorption is impaired, as in fat-malabsorption syndromes, you see deficiencies of these vitamins. In a child with long-standing recurrent pulmonary infections, think of a condition that causes both chronic lung disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Cystic fibrosis fits perfectly: thick mucus blocks the airways leading to infections, and the pancreatic ducts become obstructed, reducing enzyme delivery to the gut and causing fat malabsorption. That malabsorption explains the fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, and the neuropathy can be a manifestation of vitamin E deficiency. The other options don’t link chronic lung infections with fat-malabsorption–related vitamin deficiencies in a way that matches this presentation.