What is the rationale for the administration of vitamin K to the healthy full-term newborn?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rationale for administration of vitamin K to the healthy full-term newborn is that bacteria that synthesize vitamin K are not present in the newborn's intestinal tract, which can lead to a deficiency in this important nutrient. Vitamin K is necessary for the production of clotting factors in the liver, and a deficiency can result in bleeding disorders. While some mothers may have a diet deficient in vitamin K, this is not the primary reason for administering it to newborns. Additionally, vitamin K does not prevent the synthesis of prothrombin in the liver, but rather is necessary for its production. Finally, while the supply of vitamin K may be inadequate in the newborn, it is primarily due to the lack of intestinal bacteria.

What Is the Rationale for the Administration of Vitamin K