Deficient vitamin K absorption due to hepatic disease presents with which assessment finding?

Study for the NCLEX Hepatic and Biliary Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, featuring hints and explanations. Get prepared and boost your confidence for test day!

Multiple Choice

Deficient vitamin K absorption due to hepatic disease presents with which assessment finding?

Explanation:
Deficient vitamin K absorption in hepatic disease leads to a coagulation problem because vitamin K is needed to produce clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. It is fat-soluble and requires bile for absorption, which is reduced in liver disease, so these clotting factors are decreased and the blood’s ability to clot is impaired. The result is a bleeding tendency evidenced by purpura and petechiae—small patches of bleeding under the skin from minor capillary injuries. Other options describe fluid buildup or hormonal changes seen with liver disease, not the specific coagulation defect caused by vitamin K deficiency.

Deficient vitamin K absorption in hepatic disease leads to a coagulation problem because vitamin K is needed to produce clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. It is fat-soluble and requires bile for absorption, which is reduced in liver disease, so these clotting factors are decreased and the blood’s ability to clot is impaired. The result is a bleeding tendency evidenced by purpura and petechiae—small patches of bleeding under the skin from minor capillary injuries.

Other options describe fluid buildup or hormonal changes seen with liver disease, not the specific coagulation defect caused by vitamin K deficiency.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy