Question

The nurse explains that vitamin K by injection is given to the newborn at risk for hemorrhage because?

1) Most mothers have a vitamin K deficiency that develops during pregnancy.
2) Bacteria that synthesize vitamin K are not present in newborns.
3) Vitamin K prevents the synthesis of prothrombin.
4) The newborn does not store vitamin K.

Answer 1

Vitamin K is given to newborns at risk for hemorrhage because bacteria that synthesize vitamin K are not present in newborns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse explains that vitamin K by injection is given to the newborn at risk for hemorrhage because:

1. Most mothers have a vitamin K deficiency that develops during pregnancy.
2. Bacteria that synthesize vitamin K are not present in newborns.
3. Vitamin K prevents the synthesis of prothrombin.
4. The newborn does not store vitamin K.

Vitamin K is necessary for the proper formation of prothrombin, which is an important blood clotting factor. Since newborns don't have the bacteria that synthesize vitamin K in their intestines, they are at a higher risk for hemorrhage. Therefore, vitamin K is given to prevent this complication.