American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is a common symptom of Vitamin A deficiency?

1. Nyctalopia (night blindness)

2. Xerosis cutis (dry skin)

3. Keratomalacia (corneal degeneration)

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Vitamin A deficiency is a significant health concern, particularly in populations with limited access to dietary sources of this nutrient. One of the hallmark symptoms of this deficiency is nyctalopia, or night blindness, which occurs because vitamin A is crucial for the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that enables vision in low light. Additionally, xerosis cutis, or dry skin, can occur due to the role of vitamin A in maintaining epithelial integrity and function. Without adequate levels, the skin may become excessively dry and rough. Keratomalacia is a more severe manifestation, involving corneal degeneration and can lead to blindness if not addressed. This ultimately highlights the critical role of vitamin A in maintaining not only vision but also healthy skin. Given this context, it's clear that all these symptoms—nyctalopia, xerosis cutis, and keratomalacia—are manifestations of vitamin A deficiency, making it appropriate to conclude that all of the above options reflect common symptoms associated with this deficiency.