Nokea
A patient at 24 weeks of gestation contacts the nurse at her obstetric provider’s office to complain that she has cravings for dirt and
gravel. The nurse is aware that this condition is known as ________ and may indicate anemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: pica. Pica is a condition where individuals crave and consume non-food items like dirt or gravel, which can indicate underlying anemia due to iron deficiency. In this case, the patient's cravings for dirt and gravel are concerning as it may suggest she is lacking essential nutrients like iron.
A: Ptyalism is excessive saliva production and not related to cravings for non-food items.
B: Pyrosis is a medical term for heartburn and is not associated with cravings for dirt or gravel.
D: Decreased peristalsis refers to reduced movement of the intestines and is not directly related to cravings for non-food items.