Which of the following prophylaxis is routinely administered to a newborn after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn?

• A. Vitamin K.
• B. Eye prophylaxis.
• C. Hepatitis B vaccine.
• D. Eye prophylaxis and vitamin K.

Answer: (D)

Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is prevented by giving vitamin K after birth. Vitamin K is essential for producing clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, so a single intramuscular dose soon after delivery ensures newborns have the necessary coagulation ability to stop bleeding in the first days of life. Eye prophylaxis with antibiotic ointment is also routinely done to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis from gonorrhea or chlamydia, but it does not prevent hemorrhagic disease. Because both measures are commonly part of routine newborn care, the option that includes both vitamin K and eye prophylaxis reflects standard practice. The key point is that vitamin K specifically addresses hemorrhagic risk, while eye prophylaxis serves a separate preventive purpose.