Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

For neonates with low serum calcium levels, what is a significant history to consider?

1. History of congenital heart disease

2. Previous surgeries

3. History of asphyxia

4. Family history of osteoporosis

The correct answer is: History of asphyxia

When considering a significant history for neonates with low serum calcium levels, the history of asphyxia is particularly relevant. Asphyxia can lead to a variety of complications in newborns, one of which is impaired calcium metabolism. In cases of perinatal asphyxia, the metabolic processes can be disrupted, potentially leading to hypocalcemia. The stress and hypoxia from asphyxia can affect the initial transition to extrauterine life, including the regulation of calcium levels. The other options may have some influence on neonatal health, but they do not directly correlate as strongly with the low serum calcium levels in neonates. For example, congenital heart disease and previous surgeries may affect overall health and metabolic stability, but they do not have a direct relationship with calcium metabolism in the same way that asphyxia does. Similarly, while family history of osteoporosis is important for understanding potential risks later in life, it is less pertinent to immediate neonate calcium levels. Thus, the most significant history component for low serum calcium in this context is indeed the history of asphyxia.