Parents of a newborn ask the nurse why vitamin K is being administered. The nurse accurately responds by explaining phytonadione (vitamin K) is administered to the newborn to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vitamin K is administered to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K is synthesized by the intestinal flora. Because the newborn's intestine is sterile and breast milk is low in vitamin K, a supplemental source must be supplied. The purpose is not to enhance the immune response, prevent bacterial infection, or maintain nutritional status. The major function of vitamin K is to catalyze the liver synthesis of prothrombin, which is needed for blood clotting and coagulation.

Parents of a Newborn Ask the Nurse Why Vitamin K