A nurse administers vitamin K to newborn babies because they lack the intestinal flora required to make vitamin K. Why is it important for our bodies to use vitamin K at birth?

Explanation

•Vitamin K is used for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. Newborns are at risk for bleeding disorders due to the lack of intestinal flora needed to make vitamin K.

•Vitamin K is not required for bone formation, renin synthesis, or platelet formation.

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