This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Nutrition, Subject name: Pediatrics
First clinical sign of vitamin A deficiency - 
Select and explain. 
A. Poor growth, B. Conjunctival xerosis, C. Hydrocephalus, D. Phrynoderma
B: Conjunctival xerosis
Answer: B: Conjunctival xerosis 
Explanation: Ans. is 'b' i.e., Conjuncival xerosis * The most characteristic and specific sign of vitamin-A deficiency are eye lesions. The term xerophthalmia (dry eye) comprises all ocular manifestations of vitamin-A deficiency.* It has following stages1) Night blindness (earliest symptom)2) Conjunctival xerosis (earliest sign)3) Bitot's spot4) Corneal xerosis5) Corneal ulcer & keratomalacia.