Question

During an assessment you notice petechiae on a patient arm and ecchymosis. You would expect to find a deficiency in which vitamin? A. Vitamin D B. Vitamin \( \mathrm{K} \) C. Vitamin \( \mathrm{B6} \)

Answer 1

In the case of noticing petechiae and ecchymosis, a deficiency in b) Vitamin K would be expected as it is essential for the blood clotting process.

Step-by-step explanation:

When noticing petechiae and ecchymosis on a patient's arm, these symptoms suggest a problem with blood clotting or poor integrity of the blood vessel walls. The vitamin that is primarily associated with blood clotting is Vitamin K. A deficiency in Vitamin K can indeed result in symptoms like petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin from blood leakage) and ecchymosis (bruising).

While vitamins like B6 and D are important for other functions in the body, such as metabolism and bone health, respectively, they are not principally involved with clotting. Therefore, between the options given - Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B6 - a deficiency in Vitamin K would be the one expected to cause these symptoms.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B.