Nutrition and Vitamin Deficiencies · USMLE Step 1

A 28-year-old woman reports easy bruising and prolonged bleeding after minor cuts. Laboratory shows prolonged prothrombin time. Which vitamin deficiency is most consistent with this presentation?

  1. Vitamin K
  2. Vitamin E
  3. Vitamin A
  4. Vitamin C
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for gamma-carboxylation of clotting factors II, VII, IX and X; its deficiency impairs clotting and causes bleeding tendency, bruising, and prolonged PT.

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