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?

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.

Dysuria - Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination. In a client with a urinary tract infection (UTI), this symptom is commonly present. The rationale behind this finding is that the infection irritates the urinary tract, causing discomfort and pain during urination. The client may experience a burning sensation or pressure while passing urine.

Choice D rationale

Hematuria - Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. In the case of a UTI, inflammation of the urinary tract can lead to tiny blood vessels rupturing, resulting in blood in the urine. This can cause the urine to appear pink, red, or brownish.

Choice E rationale:

Urinary frequency - Urinary frequency is another common symptom of a UTI. The infection can irritate the bladder lining, leading to an increased urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. The client may feel the need to urinate frequently throughout the day and night.

Choice B rationale

Dependent edema - Dependent edema is not typically associated with a urinary tract infection. Edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissues, often causing swelling in the lower extremities due to gravity (dependent). This symptom is more commonly related to issues such as heart, kidney, or liver problems.

Choice C rationale

Polyuria - Polyuria refers to excessive urination, usually producing abnormally large volumes of urine. While frequent urination is a symptom of a UTI, polyuria, in this context, is not accurate. UTIs tend to cause frequent but smaller volumes of urine due to the irritation and inflammation of the bladder.