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) "Babies usually breathe in and out through their noses so they can feed without choking.":
Newborns are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses rather than their mouths, which helps coordinate breathing with feeding. This nasal breathing mechanism helps prevent aspiration and ensures that babies can feed while still breathing. It is perfectly normal for a baby to primarily use their nose for breathing, especially in the early days of life, and no cause for concern should be raised about small nasal openings unless the baby is showing signs of respiratory distress.

B) "You are right. I will report the baby's small nasal openings to the pediatrician right away.":
A small nasal opening is common in newborns and is not usually a cause for alarm unless it interferes with breathing, feeding, or shows signs of a more significant anatomical issue. There is no immediate need to report it unless the baby is having trouble breathing or feeding. The nurse should offer reassurance instead.

C) "Everything about babies is small. It truly is amazing how everything works so well.":
While this response may seem comforting, it is not very informative. It dismisses the mother’s concern rather than providing a clear and educational explanation. Reassuring the mother with factual information about why babies breathe through their noses and how this works effectively for them would be more helpful.

D) "The baby does rarely open his mouth but you can see that he isn't in any distress.":
This response minimizes the importance of the mother’s question and doesn’t fully address her concern. While it’s true that babies rarely open their mouths to breathe, the explanation needs to focus on the physiological reasoning behind it. The nurse should also reassure the mother that nasal breathing is normal in newborns and not typically a concern unless signs of distress are present.

A. Manual Expression B. Massaging breast to bring milk to the nipple C. Using a nipple shield D. Keeping infant skin to skin

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Manual Expression:
Manual expression is an excellent way to show a new mother that she does have milk or colostrum. By gently massaging and expressing the breast, the mother can see or feel the small amount of colostrum being released. This helps reassure her that milk production has begun, even if it’s not abundant right away. Colostrum is often produced in small amounts during the first few days postpartum, and learning how to express it can provide immediate visual confirmation that milk is available for the baby.

B) Massaging breast to bring milk to the nipple:
While massaging the breast can help facilitate the milk ejection reflex (let-down), it doesn’t necessarily show the mother that she has milk. The milk flow may not be immediately visible without manual expression. The process of massaging can help increase milk flow over time but is not the most effective way to demonstrate the presence of colostrum in the immediate postpartum period.

C) Using a nipple shield:
A nipple shield can sometimes be used to help babies latch more effectively if there are latch issues, but it won’t directly show the mother that she has milk or colostrum. In fact, frequent use of a nipple shield without proper latching technique can interfere with establishing breastfeeding. It’s more important to help the mother with proper latching and positioning, along with demonstrating manual expression.

D) Keeping infant skin to skin:
Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly beneficial for bonding and promoting breastfeeding, as it stimulates the release of oxytocin and encourages the baby to latch. However, it does not directly show the mother that she has milk or colostrum. While it can help initiate milk production, manual expression provides a more direct and immediate way to demonstrate that milk is available.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A mother asks whether or not she should be concerned that her baby never opens his mouth to breathe when his nose is so small. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A new mother is breastfeeding and concerned that she has no milk for baby. One way you can show her that she does have milk or colostrum is by teaching her:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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