A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a new mother about the purpose of administering vitamin K to her newborn following delivery. The nurse should explain that the purpose of administering vitamin K is to prevent which of the following complications?
Bleeding.
Infection.
Potassium deficiency.
Hyperbilirubinemia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: The correct answer is (a) Bleeding. The purpose of administering vitamin K to a newborn following delivery is to prevent bleeding complications. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the synthesis of blood clotting factors, specifically factors II, VII, IX, and X. Newborns have low levels of vitamin K at birth, and it takes a few days for their bodies to start producing it. This places them at risk of developing vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), which can lead to serious bleeding problems, including bleeding into the brain (intracranial haemorrhage). By giving the newborn a vitamin K injection, this deficiency is corrected, reducing the risk of bleeding complications.
Choice B rationale
(b) Infection. Administering vitamin K to a newborn is not intended to prevent infections. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and does not have a direct role in preventing or treating infections. Infection prevention measures involve proper hygiene practices and vaccination, but vitamin K is unrelated to this aspect of care.
Choice C rationale
(c) Potassium deficiency. Administering vitamin K to a newborn has no impact on potassium levels. Potassium is a different essential nutrient that plays a vital role in various physiological processes, but it is not related to blood clotting. The administration of vitamin K is specific to preventing bleeding complications, not addressing potassium deficiency.
Choice D rationale
(d) Hyperbilirubinemia. The correct answer is not (d) Hyperbilirubinemia. Vitamin K administration is not aimed at preventing or treating hyperbilirubinemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Hyperbilirubinemia is related to the breakdown of red blood cells and the liver's ability to process bilirubin, whereas vitamin K's primary role is in the clotting cascade.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. Vastus lateralis.
Choice A rationale:
The deltoid muscle is not typically used for newborn injections because it is too small and underdeveloped, making it an inappropriate site for intramuscular injections in this age group.
Choice B rationale:
The dorsogluteal muscle is also not recommended for newborns due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and the muscle’s underdevelopment.
Choice C rationale:
The ventrogluteal muscle, while a good site for older children and adults, is not commonly used for newborns because it is not as easily accessible and developed as the vastus lateralis.
Choice D rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in newborns. It is well-developed and provides a large muscle mass, making it the safest and most effective site for administering vitamin K.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The umbilical cord typically contains two arteries and one vein. Arteries carry oxygen-depleted blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta for removal, while the vein carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus. This arrangement is essential for maintaining proper fetal circulation during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect because the umbilical cord usually contains two arteries and one vein, not just one artery and one vein. Having only one artery could indicate a potential vascular abnormality or congenital issue that may require further investigation or medical attention.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. The umbilical cord usually contains two arteries and one vein. The presence of two arteries allows for the efficient removal of waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus, while the single vein delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to support the baby's growth and development.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect as it states two veins and one artery, which is not the typical configuration of blood vessels in the umbilical cord. Having two veins and one artery would disrupt fetal circulation and hinder proper nutrient and waste exchange between the fetus and the placenta.
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