Question

the mother of a newborn asks the nurse why her infant needs the vitamin k injection. which information should the nurse provide? bacteria that synthesize vitamin k are not present in the newborns intestinal tract. oral vitamin k impedes the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. the maternal diet is often deficient in vitamin k, so the infant is also deficient in the vitamin. the synthesis of vitamin k is inadequate for 3 to 4 months in the newborn.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Newborns have a sterile intestinal tract initially, so bacteria that synthesize vitamin K (like in the gut) are absent. This means they can't produce enough vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. This is correct.
• Option 2: Oral vitamin K does not impede clotting factor synthesis; in fact, it helps. So this is incorrect.
• Option 3: Maternal diet deficiency isn't the main reason for newborn vitamin K need. Newborns' gut bacteria lack is the key, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: The synthesis of vitamin K - dependent clotting factors, not vitamin K itself, is inadequate initially, and the gut bacteria absence is the main factor. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

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