Under National Immunization Schedule 1st dose of Vitamin 'A' is :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

The first prophylactic dose of Vitamin A is 100,000 IU (International Units), equivalent to 1 lakh IU.
This dose is administered orally to infants at 9 completed months of age.
It is typically given at the same time as the first dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The primary goal is to prevent Vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to blindness and increased susceptibility to infections.

Option A: This dosage is incorrect for the first dose. 200,000 IU is the standard dose for all subsequent administrations.
Option C: This is an incorrect dosage that does not align with the guidelines of the National Immunization Schedule for Vitamin A supplementation.
Option D: This is an incorrect dosage. It is not a standard dose for Vitamin A prophylaxis under the national program.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Dosage and schedule of Vitamin A supplementation under the National Immunization Program helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a critical role in administering vaccines and supplements. Knowing the correct dosage, route, and schedule is fundamental to patient safety and public health.
Administering the wrong dose can compromise the effectiveness of the prophylaxis program and potentially cause harm. Accuracy is paramount.
What if? If a child misses the 9-month dose and presents at 11 months, they should still receive the first dose of 100,000 IU. The schedule is then followed from that point, with the next dose (200,000 IU) given after a 6-month interval.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on a national health program guideline.
First, identify the key elements in the question: 'National Immunization Schedule', 'Vitamin A', and '1st dose'.
Recall the specific schedule for Vitamin A prophylaxis. Remember that the first dose is different from all subsequent doses.
The first dose, given at 9 months, is a smaller dose (100,000 IU).
All subsequent doses, given every 6 months until age 5, are a larger dose (200,000 IU).
Based on this distinction, select the option that matches the dosage for the first dose.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Dosage and schedule of Vitamin A supplementation under the National Immunization Program.
Stem keywords: National Immunization Schedule, 1st dose, Vitamin 'A'
Lead-in keywords: is

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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

Practise the full IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

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