Neonatal Nurse Practitioner NCC Practice Exam

At birth, how is vitamin K typically administered to prevent VKDB?

5 mg orally 0.5–1 mg intramuscular vitamin K 0.1 mg intramuscular Vitamin K not given

Correct Answer:

0.5–1 mg intramuscular vitamin K

Explanation:

Preventing VKDB hinges on rapidly raising a newborn’s vitamin K level so the liver can produce adequate clotting factors. Newborns have very low vitamin K stores and limited gut bacteria to synthesize it, so they are at risk for bleeding due to insufficient factors II, VII, IX, and X. Administering a single intramuscular dose of vitamin K at birth reliably delivers vitamin K, achieves protective levels quickly, and avoids issues with absorption that can occur with oral dosing. The standard dose is 0.5–1 mg given intramuscularly, providing strong protection against early, classic, and late VKDB. While oral regimens exist, they’re less dependable due to variability in absorption and adherence, making the intramuscular injection the preferred approach.

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