A patient who is at 10 weeks' gestation tells her nurse, "I'm making too much saliva, and I spit on people every time I talk! What's wrong with me?" How should the nurse respond?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Excessive salivation, also known as ptyalism, is a common symptom during the first trimester of pregnancy. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes. It is not usually a sign of a complication in pregnancy, so scheduling a doctor's appointment is not necessary in this case. Astringent mouthwashes and chewing gum may actually worsen the symptoms, so the best advice is to recommend natural remedies such as eating small meals frequently, keeping hydrated, and sucking on sour candies or ice chips.

A Patient Who Is at 10 Weeks' Gestation Tells Her