PICA

Patient Teaching Presentation

Zyra Raguro

Nursing 173

What is Pica?

• The craving or consumption of substances that are non-nutritive and inedible. (Leifer, 10th ed.)

• Commonly occurs during childhood and pregnancy

• Primary symptom is the persistent craving for inedible food substances despite interventions occurring for about a month or longer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3aILu0q0hM

The Pica Menu: •Dirt•Clay•Ice•Cornstarch•Laundry starch•Burnt Matches•Stones•Charcoal•Moth balls•Toothpaste•Soap•Sand•Plaster•Paint Chips•Baking Soda•Coffee Grounds•Cigarette Ashes

Pica during pregnancy

• Estimates are that up to 20% of women have a history of pica. (Goldstein, 1998)

• Risk factors for developing Pica:– First pregnancy– Under the age of 20– History of Pica during childhood

• Symptoms usually occur during the first and second trimester persists for a month and alleviates after pregnancy.

(Pregnancy-Info.net,2009)

What causes Pica cravings?

• May be a response to nutritional deficiencies (iron-definciency anemia)

• May be influenced by cultural factors. (Spirituality and treatment for certain illnesses)

• May be due to psychological reasons such as extreme stress, mental illness, trauma and abuse.

(Pregnancy-Info.Net, 2009)

Complications for Mommy:

• Lead Poisoning • Bowel Obstruction (severe constipation,

bowel inflammation, GI infection)• Parasite Infection (pain and weight loss)• Dental Injury

How Pica can affect the baby

• Malnourishment while in womb• Low birth weight• Pre-term Labor• Still birth …no more

rocks please mommy…

Pica Management• Consult with a Physician and Therapist• Proper Nutritional Assessment and management:

– Assess what triggers pica cravings– Determine specific pica craving– Note level of emotions caused by cravings– Avoid exposure to specific substance as much as

possible– Determine nutrient levels (i.e. iron)

(Americanpregnancy.org, 2009)• Nutritional Supplements and Medications• Psychological counseling and Behavioral Therapy

(Pregnancy-Info.Net)

Resources for Eating Disorders (Pica):

• Kidshealth.org (for child and parent)• Healthyplace.com (mental health

disorders)• http://eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

(support groups)

So tell me…• What is one probable cause for pica

cravings?• Which term during pregnancy is this

commonly experienced?• What will this do to the baby?

Resources:• Pregnancy-Info.Net, 2009

– http://www.pregnancy-info.net/pica.html

• American Pregnancy.org, 2009– http://www.americanpregnancy.org/

pregnancyhealth/unusualcravingspica.html

• Leifer, 10th ed. Maternity Nursing• Shannon, 2007. Eating Disorders

Sourcebook.