Given below are two statements, one is Assertion (A) and other is Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Vitamin K is given at birth in premature neonates.

Reason (R): It helps in prevention of sepsis in neonates.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A

   Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is correct explanation of (A)

2. B

   Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not correct explanation of (A)

3. C

   (A) is true but (R) is false

4. D

   (A) is false but (R) is true

Appeared in: UPPSC 2022

Explanation

• Assertion (A) is true because all newborns, including premature infants, have physiologically low levels of Vitamin K and are unable to synthesize it initially, placing them at risk for bleeding.
• Reason (R) is false because Vitamin K's function is to activate clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), not to prevent sepsis, which is a systemic infection.
• (A) is true but (R) is false matches the defining clue or classification criterion in the stem.
• Supporting mechanism: The option aligns with the governing rule, pattern, sequence, classification, or exam logic being tested.
• Key differentiator: It fits the one fact that separates the correct response from the closest distractor.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This option is incorrect because Reason (R) is a false statement. Vitamin K is not used for sepsis prevention.
• Option B: This option is incorrect because it states that Reason (R) is true, which is false. Vitamin K does not prevent sepsis.
• Option D: This option is incorrect because Assertion (A) is true (Vitamin K is given to neonates) and Reason (R) is false (it does not prevent sepsis). This option reverses the truth values.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Assertion and Reason: Vitamin K administration in neonates as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Administering Vitamin K at birth is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent life-threatening Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), especially intracranial hemorrhage, which can have devastating neurological consequences.
• Nurses play a key role in educating parents about the importance and safety of Vitamin K administration, as parental refusal can lead to a preventable and serious bleeding disorder in the newborn.
• What if? If a neonate presents with oozing from the umbilical stump or bloody stools despite receiving a Vitamin K shot, the nurse must immediately notify the physician. This could indicate a severe underlying coagulopathy, malabsorption of the vitamin, or incorrect administration, requiring further investigation.

How to Approach the Question

• First, evaluate Assertion (A) for its factual accuracy. Is it true that premature neonates receive Vitamin K at birth? Recall standard neonatal care protocols.
• Second, evaluate Reason (R) for its factual accuracy. Is it true that Vitamin K helps prevent sepsis? Consider the physiological function of Vitamin K versus the pathophysiology of sepsis.
• Third, determine the relationship between the two statements. If both are true, decide if (R) is the correct explanation for (A). If one or both are false, select the option that reflects this.
• In this case, Assertion (A) is a well-established medical practice and is true. Reason (R) describes an incorrect function for Vitamin K and is false.
• Based on this analysis, the only logical choice is that (A) is true but (R) is false.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Assertion and Reason: Vitamin K administration in neonates
• Stem keywords: Vitamin K, premature neonates, sepsis, Assertion, Reason
• Lead-in keywords: Select the correct answer
• Clinical cues: premature neonates

Question ID

QEU-dpEiasRFBBcqD5dY0l

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 108-110

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 156-158

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 16-33