Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Wongs Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

A nurse prepares to administer a vitamin K injection to a newborn infant. The mother asks the nurse why her newborn infant needs the injection. The best response by the nurse would be:

  • A. "You infant needs vitamin K to develop immunity."
  • B. "The vitamin K will protect your infant from being jaundiced."
  • C. "Newborn infants are deficient in vitamin K, and this injection prevents your infant from abnormal bleeding."
  • D. "Newborn infants have sterile bowels, and vitamin K promotes the growth of bacteria in the bowel."
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct response by the nurse is C. Newborn infants are born with low levels of vitamin K because they do not have enough of the gut bacteria necessary to produce it. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting, and without enough of it, newborns are at risk of a bleeding disorder called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). The vitamin K injection given to newborns helps prevent this disorder by providing them with the necessary vitamin K to ensure proper blood clotting. It is important for the mother to understand that this injection is essential for her infant's health and well-being to prevent complications related to vitamin K deficiency.