What is the dose of Vitamin A solution given after 9 months?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

The question asks for the dose of Vitamin A solution given after 9 months.
According to the national Vitamin A prophylaxis schedule, the first dose is given at 9 months (1 ml or 100,000 IU).
All subsequent doses, starting from 16-18 months and continuing every 6 months until 5 years of age, are 2 ml (200,000 IU).
Therefore, any dose administered after the initial 9-month dose is 2 ml.

Option A: 1 ml (100,000 IU) is the correct dose for the first administration of Vitamin A, which is given at 9 months of age, not after.
Option B: A 3 ml dose is not a standard recommended dose for Vitamin A supplementation at any age in the national program.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it includes two different doses, and only one is correct for the specified time frame. Furthermore, 3 ml is not a valid dose.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Safe nursing care depends on performing Vitamin A prophylaxis schedule for children under the National Immunization Programme in the correct sequence, documenting the action clearly, and monitoring for the expected response.
Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Prophylaxis significantly reduces child mortality from common illnesses like diarrhea and measles.
Nurses play a vital role in administering the oral solution, accurately recording it on the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card, and counseling caregivers on the importance of completing the schedule.
What if a child misses the 9-month dose and presents at 14 months? The child should receive the dose for their age, which is 2 ml (200,000 IU), and then continue with the 6-monthly schedule.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question and identify the key phrase: 'after 9 months'. This is different from 'at 9 months'.
Recall the national Vitamin A prophylaxis schedule for children.
Differentiate between the first dose and the subsequent doses.
The first dose at 9 months is 1 lakh IU (1 ml).
All subsequent doses from 1 year (or the 16-18 month visit) up to 5 years are 2 lakh IU (2 ml).
Select the option that corresponds to the dose given after the 9-month mark.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Vitamin A prophylaxis schedule for children under the National Immunization Programme.
Stem keywords: Vitamin A solution, dose, after 9 months
Lead-in keywords: What is

Q-r5qPxLAihMBVpQCD2-9D

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

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

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