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) Prolactin:
Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for stimulating milk production in the postpartum period. In breastfeeding mothers, prolactin levels remain elevated, especially during the first few weeks after delivery, to support lactation. This hormone is released in response to suckling and is essential for maintaining a steady milk supply. Elevated prolactin levels help establish and maintain breastfeeding during the early postpartum period, even as other pregnancy-related hormones begin to decline.

B) Estrogen:
Estrogen levels drop sharply after childbirth, as the placenta is no longer present to produce this hormone. The decline in estrogen is one of the factors that helps initiate lactation. While estrogen rises later during the postpartum period as the body returns to its non-pregnant state, it is not elevated during the immediate postpartum period in breastfeeding women.

C) Progesterone:
Similar to estrogen, progesterone levels fall quickly after delivery. Progesterone is involved in maintaining pregnancy, and its levels decrease significantly once the placenta is delivered. A reduction in progesterone is one of the hormonal changes that triggers the onset of lactation. It does not remain elevated in the immediate postpartum period.

D) Human placental lactogen (hPL):
hPL is produced by the placenta during pregnancy to support fetal growth and prepare the breasts for lactation. However, after delivery, hPL levels decline rapidly because the placenta is expelled. It is not elevated in the immediate postpartum period.

E) Relaxin:
Relaxin is a hormone that helps to soften the cervix and relax the ligaments in preparation for childbirth. Its levels are elevated during pregnancy and drop significantly after delivery. It does not remain elevated in the postpartum period, particularly in breastfeeding women.

A. Dry the infant throughly and place on mom skin to skin B. Determine Apgar Score. C. Encourage mother to begin breastfeeding. D. Administer medication for eye prophylaxis.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Dry the infant thoroughly and place on mom skin to skin:
The priority intervention for a newborn immediately after birth is to dry the infant thoroughly and promote skin-to-skin contact with the mother. Drying the infant helps prevent heat loss, a major concern for newborns as they are at risk of hypothermia due to their large body surface area relative to their weight. Skin-to-skin contact not only helps maintain the newborn's body temperature but also promotes bonding, regulates heart rate, and supports breastfeeding initiation. This is the most critical step in the immediate post-birth period.
B) Determine Apgar Score:
While assessing the newborn with the Apgar score is an important task, it is usually done within the first minute and five minutes after birth. However, ensuring the infant’s warmth and stability by drying and placing the baby on the mother's chest should take priority. The Apgar score can be recorded after ensuring that the newborn is stable and appropriately warmed.

C) Encourage mother to begin breastfeeding:
Encouraging breastfeeding is an important aspect of newborn care, as it provides essential nutrients and promotes bonding. However, skin-to-skin contact and ensuring the infant is warm and stable take precedence over breastfeeding initiation. Once the baby is stable and has been dried and placed on the mother’s chest, breastfeeding can begin naturally.

D) Administer medication for eye prophylaxis:
Administering eye prophylaxis (typically erythromycin or tetracycline ointment) is important to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia. However, this is a secondary concern compared to maintaining the newborn's temperature and ensuring initial bonding. The medication can be administered after the initial stabilizing interventions have been completed.

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

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