Question

babies may receive an injection of vitamin k at birth. which of the following is the most likely reason why an injection of vitamin k would be given?
vitamin k is required for calcium absorption, and babies need to build strong bones.
vitamin k is required to build cell membranes, and babies are growing rapidly.
vitamin k is required to prevent bleeding, and babies are born with low levels of this vitamin.
vitamin k is required for the formation of visual pigments in the eyes, and babies use their eyes more often than their other senses.

Explanation:

Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood - clotting (hemostasis). Newborns have low levels of vitamin K because the gut flora that synthesizes vitamin K is not well - established at birth. Calcium absorption is mainly related to vitamin D. Cell - membrane building is more associated with lipids like phospholipids. Visual pigment formation is related to vitamin A.

Answer:

Vitamin K is required to prevent bleeding, and babies are born with low levels of this vitamin.