The nurse administers vitamin K to the newborn for what reason?

Bacteria that synthesize vitamin K are not present in the newborn's intestinal tract.

Vitamin K prevents the synthesis of prothrombin in the liver and must be given by injection.

The supply of vitamin K is inadequate for at least 12 months, and the newborn musti supplemented throughout infancy.

Most mothers have a diet deficient in vitamin K, which results in the infant being deficient.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Bacteria that synthesize vitamin K are not present in the newborn's intestinal tract:
Newborns are born with a sterile gastrointestinal tract, meaning they do not yet have the intestinal bacteria necessary to synthesize vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for the activation of clotting factors, and without sufficient vitamin K, newborns are at risk for bleeding disorders, particularly a condition known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Administering vitamin K by injection shortly after birth ensures the baby has adequate levels to prevent bleeding.
B) Vitamin K prevents the synthesis of prothrombin in the liver and must be given by injection:
This statement is incorrect. Vitamin K does not prevent the synthesis of prothrombin; rather, it is essential for the liver to synthesize clotting factors, including prothrombin. The injection of vitamin K in newborns is necessary to provide adequate levels of vitamin K to support proper blood clotting, as newborns cannot produce enough on their own at birth due to the absence of gut bacteria that normally produce it.

C) The supply of vitamin K is inadequate for at least 12 months, and the newborn must be supplemented throughout infancy:
While it is true that newborns have a limited supply of vitamin K at birth, this deficiency is typically addressed with a single injection given shortly after birth. Supplementing vitamin K throughout infancy is generally not required, as the infant's gastrointestinal tract will start to develop the necessary bacteria to synthesize vitamin K within the first few weeks to months of life. The first dose of vitamin K prevents bleeding disorders, and in most cases, additional supplementation is not necessary.

D) Most mothers have a diet deficient in vitamin K, which results in the infant being deficient:
While maternal diet does play a role in the newborn's initial vitamin K levels, it is not the primary reason for the deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency in newborns is primarily due to the lack of gut bacteria necessary to produce it, rather than maternal diet. The practice of administering vitamin K to all newborns ensures that they receive adequate levels to prevent bleeding, regardless of maternal dietary intake.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Has at least six to eight wet diapers per day:
One of the most reliable signs of effective breastfeeding is adequate hydration and urine output, which can be assessed by the number of wet diapers. A well-fed infant should have at least six to eight wet diapers per day, indicating that they are taking in sufficient breast milk and are adequately hydrated. This is a key indicator of successful breastfeeding and helps to ensure that the baby is getting enough milk.

B) Sleeps for 6 hours at a time between feedings:
While it is normal for newborns to sleep, they should not go for long periods without feeding, especially in the early days of life. Newborns typically need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, and a sleep pattern of 6 hours between feedings could be concerning, as it may indicate that the baby is not waking up frequently enough to eat. This could result in inadequate milk intake and dehydration. Breastfeeding on demand is important, and frequent feedings help to stimulate milk production.

C) Gains 1 to 2 ounces per week:
A typical weight gain for a newborn is about 4 to 7 ounces per week during the first few months of life. Gaining 1 to 2 ounces per week could be lower than expected, and while weight gain is an important indicator of breastfeeding effectiveness, it is not the most immediate or reliable sign in the first week, especially if the baby is otherwise feeding well and producing an adequate number of wet diapers.

D) Has at least one breast milk stool every 24 hours:
While it is normal for a newborn to have breast milk stools, the frequency can vary widely. Some infants may pass stools after every feeding, while others may have fewer. One stool every 24 hours is not necessarily a sign of inadequate breastfeeding, especially if the baby is having a good number of wet diapers. The stool pattern can differ from baby to baby, and as long as the infant is feeding well and producing sufficient wet diapers, stool frequency alone is not the best indicator of breastfeeding success.

A. Wash your hands before and after you use the bathroom and change your sanitary pad B. Do not take tub baths for eight weeks C. Use tampons instead of pads as they are better at inhibiting bacterial growth D. Douche with a mild antiseptic twice a day for two weeks, starting at day three

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Wash your hands before and after you use the bathroom and change your sanitary pad:
The most important instruction for preventing postpartum infection is proper hand hygiene. The risk of infection in the postpartum period is high, especially because the perineum and cervix are healing after delivery. By washing hands before and after using the bathroom or changing sanitary pads, the mother reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the vaginal area. Proper hand hygiene helps minimize the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), wound infections, and endometritis, which are all common postpartum complications.

B) Do not take tub baths for eight weeks:
While it is true that taking tub baths can potentially introduce bacteria into the vaginal area, particularly if the perineum is healing from a tear or episiotomy, this is a secondary concern. The priority is hand hygiene, which directly prevents infection by limiting bacterial exposure. The recommendation to avoid tub baths is generally valid for the first 6 weeks, but it is less critical than hand washing.

C) Use tampons instead of pads as they are better at inhibiting bacterial growth:
Using tampons is not recommended in the postpartum period because they can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome and can irritate the vaginal area or interfere with uterine healing. Pads are preferred to absorb lochia (postpartum discharge) and are safer for vaginal healing. Tampons do not inhibit bacterial growth more effectively than pads, and the use of tampons can actually increase the risk of infection, so this option is incorrect.

D) Douche with a mild antiseptic twice a day for two weeks, starting at day three:
Douching is not recommended during the postpartum period. It can disrupt the natural vaginal flora, increase the risk of infections like vaginitis, and delay the healing process. The vagina has its own natural defense mechanisms, and douching with antiseptics is unnecessary and can do more harm than good. Instead, the focus should be on keeping the area clean and dry and practicing proper hand hygiene.

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The nurse administers vitamin K to the newborn for what reason?

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