A newborn baby has a calcium level of 7.1 mg/dL.What information should the nurse provide the parents?
A) Low calcium can cause high blood sugars.
B) Postterm babies are most at risk for this condition.
C) The level will be rechecked at 72 hours.
D) Your baby needs to have a magnesium level check.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia is a blood calcium level below 7.5 mg/dL.Calcium levels are lowest at 24-48 hours after birth; if levels remain low at 72 hours,the baby needs calcium supplements.The nurse should advise the parents that the level will be checked again at 72 hours.Hypocalcemia is often accompanied by hypoglycemia,but is not related to magnesium levels.Babies at risk for hypocalcemia include those whose mothers are diabetic,preterm newborns,and newborns with perinatal asphyxia.

A Newborn Baby Has a Calcium Level of 7