A client at 20 weeks gestation states that she started consuming an increased amount of cornstarch about 3 weeks ago. Based on this assessment, the nurse should anticipate that the health care provider will order which laboratory test(s)?

Question

A client at 20 weeks gestation states that she started consuming an increased amount of cornstarch about 3 weeks ago.  Based on this assessment, the nurse should anticipate that the health care provider will order which laboratory test(s)?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pica is the abnormal, compulsive craving for and consumption of substances normally not considered nutritionally valuable or edible. Common substances include ice, cornstarch, chalk, clay, dirt, and paper. Although the condition is not exclusive to pregnancy, many women only have pica when they are pregnant. Pica is often accompanied by iron deficiency anemia due to insufficient nutritional intake or impaired iron absorption. However, the exact relationship between pica and anemia is not fully understood. The health care provider would likely order hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to screen for the presence of anemia. (Option B) Human chorionic gonadotropin is the hormone detected in a urine or serum pregnancy test to determine if a client is pregnant. It is not affected by iron deficiency anemia or pica. (Option C) Increased folic acid consumption is necessary during pregnancy to reduce the risk for neural tube defects in the developing fetus. However, folate levels are not related to pica. (Option D) A white blood cell count should be assessed when a client is suspected of having an infection. There is no indication that this client has an infection. Educational objective: Pica is the constant craving for and consumption of nonfood and/or nonnutritive food substances that may occur in pregnancy. It may be accompanied by iron deficiency anemia. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are useful in these clients to screen for anemia.

A Client at 20 Weeks Gestation States That She Started