Which newborn prophylaxis is given to prevent bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency?

• A. Eye ointment
• B. Vitamin K
• C. Hep B vaccine
• D. Blood glucose test

Answer: (B)

Vitamin K prophylaxis is given to newborns to prevent bleeding caused by vitamin K deficiency. Newborns have low vitamin K stores, limited gut bacteria that produce vitamin K, and immature liver function, so they can’t synthesize enough clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Supplying vitamin K at birth activates these factors, markedly reducing the risk of hemorrhagic disease in the first days to weeks of life, including dangerous intracranial bleeding. The other options serve different protective purposes: eye ointment prevents eye infections from certain bacteria, the hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B, and a blood glucose test checks for low blood sugar.