Vitamin A deficiency causes :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Explanation

Bitot's spots are a hallmark clinical sign of severe Vitamin A deficiency.
They appear as triangular, foamy, or cheesy-looking white patches on the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye).
This manifestation occurs due to the abnormal buildup of keratin on the surface of the conjunctiva, a process directly linked to the lack of Vitamin A needed for normal epithelial cell differentiation.
Vitamin A deficiency leads to a spectrum of eye problems known as xerophthalmia, with Bitot's spots being a key indicator before the onset of irreversible blindness.

Option A: Pellagra is not caused by Vitamin A deficiency. It is the result of a severe deficiency in Niacin (Vitamin B3).
Option C: Angular stomatitis (inflammation at the corners of the mouth) is not a primary sign of Vitamin A deficiency.
Option D: Osteomalacia, the softening of bones in adults, is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, not Vitamin A.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical manifestations of vitamin deficiencies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to recognize signs of nutritional deficiencies during physical assessments, as they can indicate underlying malnutrition, malabsorption issues, or inadequate dietary intake.
Early identification of signs like Bitot's spots is critical. It allows for timely intervention with Vitamin A supplementation, which can reverse the condition and prevent progression to irreversible blindness (keratomalacia).
Patient education is a key nursing role. This includes teaching about dietary sources of Vitamin A (e.g., leafy green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, liver, and dairy products) to prevent deficiency.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question that tests your knowledge of specific nutritional deficiencies and their classic signs.
First, identify the core concept of the question: a clinical sign caused by Vitamin A deficiency.
Systematically review the options and recall the primary cause for each condition.
Option A, Pellagra, is linked to Niacin (B3) deficiency.
Option B, Bitot's spots, are a classic ocular sign of Vitamin A deficiency.
Option C, Angular stomatitis, is linked to Riboflavin (B2) deficiency.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qlb7vrYLEL625CkIyKLAyb

E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 128-130

E6 textbook of Applied Biochemistry and Nutrition & DieteticsHarbans Lal (pp 26-464 of 479) p. 361-363

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-239 of 478) p. 121-123

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

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