The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can produce a bleeding diathesis characterized by hematomas, hematuria, melena, and bleeding from the gums by decreasing the normal gut flora and inducing a deficiency of:: (A) Vitamin A, (B) Vitamin B1, (C) Vitamin B6, (D) Vitamin K
Answer is D. A deficiency of vitamin K, which can result from fat malabsorption, broad-spectrum antibiotics, or diffuse liver disease, produces a bleeding diathesis characterized by hematomas, ecchymoses, hematuria, melena, and bleeding from the gums. Laboratory tests reveal an increased bleeding with prolonged PT and PTT and normal bleeding time.