The Learning Center
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
Online Learning Module


Diagnosis: Hyperemesis
Molly's Case Study

Meet Molly Jones. Molly is a 25-year old G2P1 woman at WIC for her first prenatal appointment. She presents with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, reporting that she has been nauseous and vomiting for two weeks.



Subjective Data
What else does Molly say?
Objective Data
Look at Molly's Chart
Assessment
Clinician's Concerns
A Workable Action Plan
Molly's Take-home Message
Hyperemesis Basics
Find out More

What else does Molly say?

"Yesterday, I vomited about seven times, and all I ate was two pieces of toast, a Diet Coke, some pretzels and a pickle.

I had a bout with bulimia when I was in high school, and I don't like the idea of gaining weight for the next nine months."

[Top]


Look at Molly's Chart

On Molly's Medical Referral Form, this information is provided:


[Top]

Clinician's Concerns

From the subjective and objective information, as nutritionists we need to address:

      Molly's persistent vomiting

    Her inadequate intake of calories

    History of an eating disorder

    Weight loss (minus 7 pounds)

    Low pregravid weight (normal for height: 135)

    Low hematocrit (normal 37.0 - 47.0)




[Top]

Prepare a Take-home Plan for Molly

Cconsidering the clinical picture we have drawn from the above assessment process, we can help Molly focus on her most important action steps:

      Eat small, frequent meals

    Take liquids about 20 minutes after eating

    Be sure to take iron supplements as ordered by her healthcare provider

    Discuss her eating disorder history with provider for continued monitoring


If possible, frequent followups should be scheduled with Molly.



Review Hyperemesis Basics      Links to articles about Hyperemesis



[Top]

Useful Terms:

G2P1:

G stands for Gravida (number of times pregnant) 2.
P stands for Para (parity, number of live births) 1.
Gravida includes the current pregnancy, so Molly is pregnant with her second child.

Prenatal:

Before birth, pertaining to pregnancy

Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

Severe nausea & vomiting of pregnancy. See Hyperemesis Basics


[Top]

Arrow  Back to the Media Center







The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Jane Swift - Governor
William D. O'Leary - Secretary of EOHHS
Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH - Commissioner - Department of Public Health
Sally Fogerty - Assistant Commissioner, Family & Community Health
Mary Kelligrew Kassler - WIC Program Director


The Learning Center
63 Fountain Street
Framingham, MA 01702
P: 508-875-8700
F: 508-875-8990
E: info@wictlc.com


Contact The WIC Learning Center
Web Administrator


WebWork by FastNet Media
Commonwealth of Massachusetts   Copyright © 1998 - 2001


DPH Privacy Policy

Disclaimer