A pregnant client plans to deliver the baby at home. For which reason should the nurse emphasize that the newborn will need an injection of vitamin K after birth?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At birth, infants have an insufficient amount of vitamin K stored to protect them from excessive bleeding. Lack of vitamin K in the newborn is due to the sterility of the newborn's intestinal tract. Vitamin K is needed for the production of prothrombin, which is an important component of blood clotting. The infant receives vitamin K from breast milk or infant formula. Vitamin K is not required for bone formation.

A Pregnant Client Plans to Deliver the Baby at Home