Final Answer:
Vitamin K must be administered to all newborns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newborns are born with insufficient vitamin K levels, which is crucial for blood clotting. The administration of vitamin K to newborns is a standard practice to prevent a rare but potentially serious condition called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
VKDB occurs due to the inadequate levels of vitamin K, leading to impaired blood clotting. The deficiency can result in bleeding into vital organs, such as the brain, causing severe complications. While breast milk is a valuable source of nutrition for infants, it contains low levels of vitamin K, necessitating a supplementary dose.
Vitamin K administration to newborns is typically given as a single intramuscular injection shortly after birth. This intervention has proven effective in preventing VKDB, ensuring proper blood clotting function during the vulnerable early days of life.
In conclusion, the administration of vitamin K to all newborns is a critical preventive measure to avoid complications associated with vitamin K deficiency bleeding. This practice has been widely adopted in neonatal care, contributing to the health and well-being of infants worldwide.