A nursing student asks a nurse working in the newborn nursery how vitamin K deficiency is treated in newborns. Which response by the nurse is correct?
A) "A newborn infant's intestinal flora will produce vitamin K."
B) "If coagulation studies show a bleeding disorder, oral menadione is given."
C) "Menadione is given intravenously shortly after delivery."
D) "Phytonadione is given intramuscularly immediately after delivery."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A normal infant is born vitamin K deficient, and all infants are given an IM injection of phytonadione immediately after delivery. Newborns have not developed the intestinal flora needed to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin K. Menadione is not used in infants because of the increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia associated with its use.

A Nursing Student Asks a Nurse Working in the Newborn