Which of the following is the earliest clinical sign of Vitamin A deficiency in a child?
- A Corneal ulceration
- B Bitot's spots
- C Conjunctival xerosis ✓
- D Keratomalacia
Correct answer: C. Conjunctival xerosis
Explanation
Conjunctival xerosis is the earliest clinical sign of Vitamin C deficiency, presenting as dry, non-wettable patches on the bulbar conjunctiva. Bitot's spots are collections of keratin and bacteria that appear later. Night blindness is the earliest symptom, but xerosis is the earliest objective sign. Corneal ulceration and keratomalacia represent severe, sight-threatening deficiency.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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