What is the primary purpose of administering Vitamin K in clinical practice?

Administering Vitamin K primarily serves to promote blood coagulation. This vitamin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of certain proteins that are necessary for blood clotting, known as coagulation factors. Without adequate Vitamin K, the body cannot produce these factors effectively, leading to an increased risk of bleeding and hemorrhage.

In clinical practice, Vitamin K is particularly important for patients who are on anticoagulation therapy, such as warfarin, as it can help reverse the effects of these blood thinners when necessary. Additionally, newborns are often given Vitamin K shortly after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease due to their initially low levels of Vitamin K.

The other choices relate to different functions or treatments that do not involve Vitamin K's primary role. For instance, Vitamin K does not serve to decrease inflammation, provide nutritional support in the way other vitamins or nutrients might, or relieve pain directly. These functions are covered by other medications or nutrients in their respective treatments.