The nurse is preparing to administer a vitamin K injection to the infant shortly after birth. Which is important to understand about vitamin K?
A) It is necessary for the production of platelets.
B) It is important for the production of red blood cells.
C) It is not initially synthesized because of a sterile bowel at birth.
D) It is responsible for the breakdown of bilirubin and the prevention of jaundice.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bowel is initially sterile in the newborn, and vitamin K cannot be synthesized until food is introduced into the bowel. The platelet count in term newborns is near adult levels. Vitamin K is necessary to activate prothrombin and other clotting factors. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting. Vitamin K is necessary to activate the clotting factors.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Administer a Vitamin K Injection