NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019
Mental Health Nursing
Easy
Pica is?
Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019
Explanation
- Pica is an eating disorder involving the persistent consumption of non-nutritive substances for at least one month.
- This behavior is considered developmentally inappropriate and is not part of any cultural or social norm.
- Pica is most commonly seen in children, typically between the ages of 18 months and 6 years.
- The condition is frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies (like iron-deficiency anemia) and can lead to parasitic infestations, lead poisoning, and intestinal blockages.
- Since all the individual statements accurately describe aspects of pica, the comprehensive answer is 'All are correct'.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: This statement is correct. Pica, especially geophagia (eating soil), is linked to parasitic worm infestations. Therefore, it is a component of the correct answer, not a distractor.
- Option B: This statement is correct. Pica is most prevalent in early childhood, although it can occur at any age. It is a component of the correct answer, not a distractor.
- Option C: This statement is the clinical definition of Pica. It is a correct statement and a component of the final answer, not a distractor.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition and characteristics of Pica as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Nurses must conduct a comprehensive assessment for patients with suspected pica, including screening for complications like anemia, lead poisoning, and parasitic infections through lab tests (CBC, lead levels, stool analysis).
- Patient and family education is a critical nursing intervention. This includes teaching about creating a safe environment by removing access to nonfood items and providing close supervision.
- Management involves a multidisciplinary approach. Nurses collaborate with physicians to treat underlying causes (e.g., iron supplements for anemia) and with therapists for behavioral interventions.
How to Approach the Question
- First, analyze the question type. This is a definition/characteristic question presented with an 'All of the above' option.
- Read the stem: 'Pica is?'. This asks for a definition or description.
- Evaluate each option independently to determine if it is a true statement about Pica.
- Option A: 'Associated with parasitic infestations'. Recall or verify that eating soil/feces can cause this. This is true.
- Option B: 'Most common between 18 months and 6 years of age'. Recall or verify the typical age of onset. This is true.
- Option C: 'Eating of non-nutritive substance regularly for at least one month'. This is the core clinical definition. This is true.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Definition and characteristics of Pica
- Stem keywords: Pica
- Lead-in keywords: is
Question ID
Q1Asht_l4Kc5liIhqkyl7i
Reference Book
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 12252-12254
E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 518-520
Practise the full NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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