A nurse is completing a prenatal assessment for a 30-year-old client at 26 weeks gestation. The client reports frequently craving and eating small amounts of laundry starch. Which of the following additional findings would most strongly support a diagnosis of Pica?

The client has a history of disordered eating and avoids dairy products due to mild lactose intolerance.

The client reports occasional cravings for spicy food but denies eating anything unusual or non-food related.

The client reports eating starch and dirt regularly for the past month and states the cravings are difficult to resist.

The client reports that she dislikes vegetables and prefers high-carbohydrate foods during pregnancy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. While a history of disordered eating can influence dietary behaviors, avoidance of dairy does not indicate Pica. Pica specifically involves consuming non-food substances, not simply avoiding certain foods.

B. Craving spicy or specific flavored foods is common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and altered taste perception. This behavior does not meet the diagnostic criteria for Pica, as no non-nutritive substances are consumed.

C. Persistent ingestion of non-food items such as starch and dirt defines Pica. The compulsive and repetitive nature of these cravings supports the diagnosis, which is often associated with nutritional deficiencies like iron or zinc deficiency.

D. Food preferences and aversions are typical in pregnancy and reflect normal changes in appetite. A preference for high-carbohydrate foods is not indicative of Pica since it involves normal, nutritive items.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","F"]

Explanation

A. Explain that initial fetal movements, known as "quickening," typically occur between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, so she may begin feeling movement soon: Quickening usually begins during this window, with variation depending on maternal factors. At 18 weeks, it is normal for a primigravida not to have felt movement yet, and reassurance is appropriate.

B. Inform her that absence of fetal movement at this stage always indicates fetal distress: Fetal distress cannot be determined at 18 weeks based on lack of perceived movement. Many women, especially first-time mothers, do not recognize fetal activity until closer to 20 weeks, so this statement would cause unnecessary alarm.

C. Instruct her to immediately come to the hospital for fetal monitoring due to lack of movement at 18 weeks: Immediate monitoring is unnecessary at this gestational age. Fetal movements may not yet be detectable, and intervention is only indicated if movement is absent after 20–22 weeks or if previously felt movements decrease later in pregnancy.

D. Advise her to increase hydration and rest in a quiet environment to better detect fetal movement: Resting in a calm setting and ensuring good hydration can make subtle movements easier to perceive. These strategies help the mother tune into early fetal activity without causing anxiety.

E. Suggest keeping a daily record of fetal movements starting around 24 weeks to monitor fetal well-being: Kick counts and fetal movement tracking are recommended beginning around 24–28 weeks, once movements become regular and strong enough to monitor consistently.

F. Reassure her that first-time mothers often feel fetal movement closer to 20 weeks, which is normal: Primigravidas usually perceive fetal movements later than multiparas because they are less familiar with the sensations. Reassurance at this stage helps reduce anxiety while setting realistic expectations.

A. Nausea with occasional vomiting B. Fatigue C. rupture of membranes D. vaginal bleeding E. Urinary frequency

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

A. Nausea with occasional vomiting: Mild nausea and occasional vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, are typical in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes. These symptoms are expected and generally not dangerous unless they become severe or persistent, as in hyperemesis gravidarum.

B. Fatigue: Fatigue is a normal physiological response to hormonal changes, increased metabolic demands, and expanded blood volume during pregnancy. It is common in the first and third trimesters and does not usually indicate a complication.

C. Rupture of membranes: Any rupture or leakage of amniotic fluid before labor begins should be reported immediately. Premature rupture increases the risk of infection, cord prolapse, and preterm labor, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

D. Vaginal bleeding: Bleeding during pregnancy is a significant warning sign that may indicate miscarriage, placental abruption, or placenta previa. Immediate medical assessment is necessary to determine the cause and initiate appropriate management.

E. Urinary frequency: Increased urinary frequency is a normal finding during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes and uterine pressure on the bladder. It should only be reported if accompanied by pain, burning, or fever, which could indicate infection.

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A nurse is completing a prenatal assessment for a 30-year-old client at 26 weeks gestation. The client reports frequently craving and eating small amounts of laundry starch. Which of the following additional findings would most strongly support a diagnosis of Pica?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Read the case scenario and Select All That Apply Using your clinical judgment, how should the nurse respond to this patient? Select All the best responses. (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","F"]

Explanation

Which symptom(s) is/are considered a warning sign and should be reported immediately by the pregnant woman to her health care provider? Select All that Apply

Correct Answer is ["C","D"]

Explanation

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