Vitamin K is given to every child at the age of :-
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of Vitamin K administration in newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting, and its deficiency can lead to bleeding complications in newborns.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Vitamin K is administered to newborns shortly after birth, typically within the first hour, to prevent HDN. This is because newborns have low levels of vitamin K due to the lack of placental transfer of the vitamin from the mother. Vitamin K is necessary for the production of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, which are essential for blood coagulation. The administration of vitamin K at birth helps to ensure that these clotting factors are produced in adequate amounts, thereby preventing bleeding complications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This is not a correct age for vitamin K administration. While vitamin K is often given at birth, it is not typically given at this age.
**Option B:** This is not a correct age for vitamin K administration. Vitamin K is usually given at birth, not several days later.
**Option C:** This is not a correct age for vitamin K administration. While vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, it is not typically given at this age.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Newborns are at risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) due to the lack of vitamin K in the mother's milk and the newborn's gut. VKDB can be prevented with the administration of vitamin K at birth.
**Correct Answer:** C. 3