In infants xerophthalmia is caused due to deficiency of which vitamin?

AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

Xerophthalmia, which translates to 'dry eye', is the hallmark ocular manifestation of Vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues, including the conjunctiva and cornea. Its deficiency leads to keratinization (hardening and drying) of these surfaces.
The deficiency also impairs the function of tear glands, reducing tear production and further exacerbating the dryness.
Progression of the disease, if untreated, moves from night blindness to conjunctival and corneal dryness, Bitot's spots, and finally corneal softening (keratomalacia) and blindness.

Option A: Vitamin B complex deficiencies are not associated with xerophthalmia.
Option B: Vitamin D deficiency does not cause eye dryness; it primarily affects calcium and bone metabolism.
Option D: Vitamin C deficiency is not linked to xerophthalmia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology of Xerophthalmia due to Vitamin Deficiency as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in identifying at-risk infants for Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), especially in communities with poor nutrition. Early signs like a mother reporting her child's inability to see in the evening (night blindness) should be taken seriously.
Patient education is key. Nurses should educate parents on dietary sources of Vitamin A, such as green leafy vegetables, yellow/orange fruits (mango, papaya), carrots, eggs, and fortified foods.
Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Blindness in India, high-dose Vitamin A supplementation is a key strategy for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'xerophthalmia'.
Recall the definition of xerophthalmia, which is 'dry eye'.
Connect this clinical sign to its underlying nutritional cause. Factual recall from studying vitamins and their deficiency diseases is required here.
Systematically evaluate the options. Associate Vitamin A with eye health, Vitamin D with bone health, Vitamin C with connective tissue/gums, and Vitamin B with various metabolic and neurological functions.
Select Vitamin A as it is the direct cause of xerophthalmia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pathophysiology of Xerophthalmia due to Vitamin Deficiency
Stem keywords: infants, xerophthalmia, deficiency, vitamin
Lead-in keywords: caused due to
Clinical cues: The term 'xerophthalmia' is a direct clinical sign linked to a specific nutrient deficiency.

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