Question

A client with liver dysfunction states, "My gums have been bleeding spontaneously." The nurse identifies small hemorrhagic lesions on the client's face. Which vitamin does the nurse conclude the client needs?

1. Vitamin D
2. Vitamin E
3. Vitamin A
4. Vitamin K

Answer 1

The client with bleeding gums and hemorrhagic lesions due to liver dysfunction likely needs Vitamin K supplementation, which is essential for blood clotting and is produced in the liver.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client with liver dysfunction and symptoms such as spontaneous bleeding gums and small hemorrhagic lesions is likely in need of Vitamin K. This is because Vitamin K plays a crucial biochemical role in the proper formation of prothrombin, which is essential for blood clotting. A deficiency in Vitamin K can lead to increased clotting time and decreased prothrombin levels, resulting in symptoms such as excessive bleeding. Moreover, since the liver is responsible for the production of clotting factors and requires Vitamin K to do so, liver dysfunction can exacerbate a Vitamin K deficiency, making supplementation necessary to correct the bleeding issues.