What is caused by Vitamin A deficiency?

Appeared in: Punjab CHO - 2021

Explanation

Vitamin A deficiency is a primary cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide.
The deficiency leads to a progressive eye condition called xerophthalmia, which affects the conjunctiva and cornea.
It begins with night blindness (nyctalopia) due to impaired production of rhodopsin, a pigment essential for vision in low light.
If left untreated, it progresses to corneal softening and ulceration (keratomalacia), resulting in irreversible blindness.

Option B: Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, which is not a symptom of Vitamin A deficiency.
Option C: Dizziness is a general feeling of being lightheaded, woozy, or unsteady. It is not a characteristic sign of Vitamin A deficiency.
Option D: Convulsions (seizures) are caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain and are not linked to Vitamin A deficiency.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Vitamin A Deficiency as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in identifying early signs of vitamin A deficiency, such as a child's inability to see in dim light (night blindness) or the presence of Bitot's spots, especially in pediatric and community health settings.
Patient education on dietary sources of Vitamin A (e.g., green leafy vegetables, carrots, papaya, mango, liver, and dairy products) is a crucial preventive nursing intervention.
In India, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Blindness includes prophylactic administration of Vitamin A to children to prevent xerophthalmia.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is to find a condition directly caused by Vitamin A deficiency.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the functions of different vitamins and the diseases caused by their deficiencies.
Evaluate each option based on your medical knowledge. Recall that Vitamin A is critically important for vision.
Recognize that 'Blindness' is a well-established, severe consequence of chronic Vitamin A deficiency, specifically through the condition of xerophthalmia.
Consider the other options. 'Vertigo' and 'dizziness' are primarily related to the vestibular system (inner ear) or circulation. 'Convulsions' are neurological events.
Conclude that blindness is the most direct and accurate answer among the choices provided.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 150-152

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 498-500

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

Practise the full Punjab CHO - 2021

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