At nine months (9 months), how much Vitamin-A Dose is given to an infant?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

According to India's National Immunization Schedule, the first dose of Vitamin A is administered at 9 months of age.
This first dose is 100,000 International Units (1 lakh IU), which corresponds to 1 mL of the standard oral solution.
It is typically given concurrently with the first dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to improve compliance and child survival.

Option B: This dose is for older children, not the initial dose at 9 months.
Option C: This is not a standard therapeutic or prophylactic dose for Vitamin A under the national program.
Option D: This is an incorrect and excessive dose that increases the risk of acute Vitamin A toxicity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Vitamin A prophylaxis schedule for infants under the National Immunization Program to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Administering the correct Vitamin A dose is crucial for preventing xerophthalmia (a major cause of childhood blindness) and reducing morbidity and mortality from common childhood infections like diarrhea and measles.
Nurses must accurately document the administration of Vitamin A on the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card to ensure the child receives the complete schedule of 9 doses by age 5.
What if? If a 10-month-old infant has missed their 9-month immunization visit, they should be given the 1 lakh IU dose as soon as possible. The 2 lakh IU dose is reserved for children aged 12 months and older.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key information in the question: the patient's age (9 months) and the medication (Vitamin A).
This is a direct recall question that tests your knowledge of the National Immunization Schedule.
Recall the specific schedule for Vitamin A prophylaxis, noting that the first dose is different from subsequent doses.
Remember that the first dose, given at 9 months, is 1 lakh IU (100,000 IU).
Match this dose to the given options. The standard solution provides 1 lakh IU in 1 mL.
Eliminate the other options: 2 lakh IU is for older children, and 3 or 4 lakh IU are incorrect and potentially toxic dosages.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Vitamin A prophylaxis schedule for infants under the National Immunization Program.
Stem keywords: nine months, 9 months, infant, Vitamin-A Dose
Lead-in keywords: how much
Clinical cues: Age: 9 months

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 143-145

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 515-517

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 93-95

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.