A newborn's mother asks the nurse why Vitamin K is given to her newborn? The nurse explains that because Vitamin K helps in:

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Coagulation of blood

Rationale:

Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the process of blood clotting (coagulation). Without sufficient levels of Vitamin K, the body cannot produce certain clotting factors that are necessary to prevent bleeding.
Newborns are at risk for Vitamin K deficiency because they are born with low levels of Vitamin K. This is due to limited placental transfer of Vitamin K during pregnancy and the lack of gut bacteria in the newborn's intestines to produce it naturally.
Administering Vitamin K to newborns helps to prevent a rare but serious condition called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), which can cause uncontrolled bleeding in the brain or other parts of the body.
Vitamin K is typically given as an injection shortly after birth to ensure the baby has adequate levels for proper blood clotting until their gut bacteria begin producing it naturally.

Explanation of Other Options:

Gut maturation

Rationale: While Vitamin K is synthesized by gut bacteria in older children and adults, it does not directly play a role in the process of gut maturation. Newborns lack sufficient gut bacteria at birth, which is why they cannot produce Vitamin K on their own initially.

Immunization process

Rationale: Vitamin K is unrelated to the immunization process. Immunizations involve stimulating the immune system to develop immunity against specific diseases, which is not influenced by Vitamin K levels.

Brain growth

Rationale: Vitamin K does not play a direct role in brain growth or development. Brain growth is influenced by other factors such as adequate nutrition, oxygen supply, and essential nutrients like DHA and iron.

Conclusion:

Vitamin K is primarily given to newborns to support the coagulation of blood and prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). It does not contribute to gut maturation, immunization processes, or brain growth.