Which vitamin is likely needed for a client with liver dysfunction who has bleeding gums and small hemorrhagic lesions?

The scenario describes a client with liver dysfunction who is experiencing bleeding gums and small hemorrhagic lesions, which suggests a problem with blood clotting and overall vascular integrity. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver, which are essential for normal blood coagulation. Given that the liver is impaired in this case, the ability to produce adequate amounts of clotting factors may be compromised, leading to bleeding and bruising.

In addition to its role in clotting, Vitamin K also supports the health of bones and blood vessels. Therefore, a deficiency in Vitamin K due to liver dysfunction can result in symptoms such as those presented by the client, including bleeding gums and lesions. This makes Vitamin K the most appropriate choice in this context.

The other vitamins mentioned do not directly relate to the symptoms exhibited. Vitamin A is primarily involved in vision, immune function, and skin health; Vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis, immune function, and antioxidant protection; while Vitamin B12 plays a key role in red blood cell formation and neurological function. None of these vitamins specifically address the bleeding concerns associated with a deficiency in clotting factors, which is why Vitamin K is the most relevant in this scenario.