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