A pregnant woman presents to the emergency department complaining of persistent nausea and vomiting. She is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. The nurse should include which information when teaching about diet for hyperemesis? (Select all that apply)

The correct answer is d. Amenorrhea.

Choice A: Chadwick’s sign is a non-specific, early sign of pregnancy that is typically characterized by a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. The Chadwick sign can typically be observed as early as six to eight weeks after conception, and commonly disappears shortly after birth. However, it’s not a definitive indication of pregnancy, and the absence of it on physical exam does not exclude a potential pregnancy.

Choice B: Hegar’s sign is a non-specific indication of pregnancy that is characterized by the compressibility and softening of the cervical isthmus (i.e., the portion of the cervix between the uterus and the vaginal portion of the cervix). It typically presents between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy and may be present until the 12th week of pregnancy. However, the Hegar sign is not a definitive indication of pregnancy, and the absence of it does not exclude a potential pregnancy.

Choice C: A positive pregnancy test By 10 weeks, a home pregnancy test would almost certainly show a positive result if the woman is pregnant. This is because the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta after implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall, would be present in high enough levels to be detected by the test. However, a positive pregnancy test is not a presumptive sign of pregnancy, but rather a probable one.

Choice D: Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual periods, is often considered the most presumptive sign of pregnancy. This is because it’s one of the first noticeable signs of pregnancy for many women. By 10 weeks of gestation, the woman would likely have missed two menstrual periods if she usually has regular cycles. However, while amenorrhea is a common early sign of pregnancy, it can also be caused by various other conditions or factors such as stress, significant weight loss or gain, or certain medical conditions. Therefore, a missed period should be followed up with a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy.

Choice A reason: Eating three larger meals a day is not recommended for hyperemesis gravidarum, as it may increase the nausea and vomiting. Instead, the nurse should advise the woman to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.

Choice B reason: Ice cream may stay down better than other foods, as it is cold, bland, and soothing. The nurse should encourage the woman to try foods that are appealing to her and avoid foods that trigger nausea.

Choice C reason: Eating what sounds good to the woman even if her meals are not well-balanced is acceptable for hyperemesis gravidarum, as the priority is to maintain hydration and nutrition. The nurse should reassure the woman that she can resume a balanced diet once her symptoms improve.

Choice D reason: Avoiding ginger tea or sweet drinks is not necessary for hyperemesis gravidarum, as some women may find them helpful in reducing nausea. The nurse should suggest the woman to experiment with different beverages and see what works for her.

Choice E reason: Eating a high-protein snack at bedtime is beneficial for hyperemesis gravidarum, as it can prevent low blood sugar levels and morning sickness. The nurse should recommend the woman to have a protein-rich food, such as cheese, yogurt, nuts, or eggs, before going to bed.