The nurse administers vitamin K to the newborn for which reason?
Most mothers have a diet deficient in vitamin K, which results in the infant’s being deficient.
Vitamin K prevents the synthesis of prothrombin in the liver and must be given by injection.
Bacteria that synthesize vitamin K are not present in the newborn’s intestinal tract.
The supply of vitamin K is inadequate for at least 3 to 4 months, and the newborn must be supplemented.
The Correct Answer is C
Bacteria that synthesize vitamin K is not present in the newborn’s intestinal tract. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and newborns are at risk of bleeding problems due to their lack of vitamin K. Therefore, vitamin K is given by injection to prevent hemorrhagic disease in the newborn.
Choice A is wrong because most mothers do not have a diet deficient in vitamin K, and vitamin K deficiency in newborns is not related to the maternal diet.
Choice B is wrong because vitamin K does not prevent the synthesis of prothrombin in the liver, but rather enhances it. Prothrombin is a clotting factor that requires vitamin K for its production.
Choice D is wrong because the supply of vitamin K is not inadequate for at least 3 to 4 months, but rather for a few days until the newborn’s intestinal bacteria start producing it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Vernix caseosa is a cheese-like, whitish substance that fuses with the epidermis and serves as a protective coating for the newborn.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
- Choice B. Surfactant is a protein that lines the alveoli of the infant’s lungs and helps prevent them from collapsing.
- Choice C. Caput succedaneum is a swelling of the tissue over the presenting part of the fetal head caused by pressure during delivery.
- Choice D. Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to reduced peripheral circulation.
Normal ranges for vernix caseosa are not applicable as it varies depending on the gestational age and skin maturity of the newborn. However, it is usually more abundant in preterm infants than in term or post-term infants.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Measles (rubeola) is a communicable disease that is characterized by Koplik’s spots, which are clustered, white lesions on the buccal mucosa opposite the lower molars. They appear two to three days before the measles rash and are pathognomonic for measles.
Choice A is wrong because rubella is a different viral infection that causes a mild rash and fever, but does not have Koplik’s spots.
Choice C is wrong because chickenpox (varicella) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and produces fluid-filled blisters on the skin, not white spots in the mouth.
Choice D is wrong because exanthema subitum (roseola) is caused by the human herpesvirus 6 or 7 and causes a high fever followed by a pink rash on the trunk and neck, but no oral lesions.
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