ATI Hematology Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

Vitamin K plays a vital role in the process of blood coagulation, which is essential for preventing excessive bleeding when an injury occurs. It is involved in the synthesis of certain proteins known as clotting factors, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. These proteins help to form a stable clot at the site of a blood vessel injury, effectively stopping the bleeding.

Vitamin K comes in two main forms: K1 (phylloquinone), which is primarily found in leafy green vegetables, and K2 (menaquinone), which is found in fermented foods and animal products. Without adequate vitamin K in the diet, the body cannot produce active forms of clotting factors, leading to increased bleeding and complications like hemorrhaging. This is why vitamin K is specifically crucial for maintaining effective hemostasis and overall cardiovascular health.

The other vitamins mentioned do not have a direct role in the coagulation cascade. Hence, focusing on vitamin K's specific contribution to blood coagulation highlights its critical importance.