Every new born is administered with _______ dose of vitamin K to prevent hemorrhagic disease of new born
**Core Concept**
Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver, including prothrombin and factors II, VII, IX, and X. A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to bleeding disorders, such as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Administering vitamin K to newborns is a standard practice to prevent HDN. Vitamin K is necessary for the gamma-carboxylation of glutamate residues in the clotting factors, which allows them to bind calcium ions and interact with phospholipid surfaces in the coagulation cascade. The recommended dose of vitamin K for newborns is typically 1 mg, given intramuscularly.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the dose of vitamin K administered to newborns is not 0.1 mg, which is insufficient to prevent HDN.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the route of administration is not oral, as vitamin K is typically given intramuscularly to newborns.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the dose of vitamin K administered to newborns is not 5 mg, which is excessive and may cause adverse effects.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Newborns are at risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) due to the immaturity of their gut microbiota, which is necessary for vitamin K production. Administering vitamin K to newborns is a crucial preventative measure to reduce the risk of HDN.
**Correct Answer: C. 1 mg**