A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a prolonged prothrombin time of 30 seconds. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?

Cirrhosis causes impaired hepatic synthesis of clotting factors, leading to coagulopathy. Hallmark features include prolonged prothrombin time, vitamin K deficiency, bleeding risk, and hepatic dysfunction, due to decreased production of factors II, VII, IX, and X and reduced bile-mediated fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Rationale: A. Vitamin K promotes hepatic synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, correcting coagulopathy associated with deficiency. In cirrhosis, impaired bile flow reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, making supplementation beneficial to reduce prolonged prothrombin time and bleeding risk. B. Ferrous sulfate treats iron deficiency anemia by increasing hemoglobin synthesis. It does not influence clotting factor production or correct prolonged prothrombin time. This option fails to address the underlying hepatic dysfunction or coagulation abnormality present in cirrhosis. C. Heparin is an anticoagulant that enhances antithrombin activity, prolonging clotting time. Administering it in a client with already elevated prothrombin time increases bleeding risk and is contraindicated in coagulopathy associated with advanced liver disease. D. Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis, further prolonging prothrombin time. In cirrhosis, this exacerbates coagulation impairment and significantly increases hemorrhagic risk, making it inappropriate in a client with already prolonged clotting parameters.