Final answer:
The high-risk nutritional practice to assess in anemic pregnant clients is Pica. Adequate consumption of nutrients, particularly folic acid, is crucial to prevent neural tube defects and manage anemia. Monitoring and addressing such nutritional risks are vital during prenatal care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a pregnant client found to be anemic, the high-risk nutritional practice that must be evaluated is 1 Pica. This practice involves craving and consuming non-food items, which may contain toxins or lead to nutritional deficiencies that exacerbate anemia. It is especially important to ensure that the pregnant woman consumes adequate amounts of nutritious foods and specific nutrients such as iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), and calcium, which are crucial for both maternal health and fetal development.
Deficiency in nutrients like folic acid during pregnancy is linked to birth defects, including neural tube defects. Therefore, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that all women who might become pregnant consume at least 400 µg/day of folate from supplements or fortified foods. This is to reduce the risk of such birth defects and to mitigate the impact of anemia.
Anemia during pregnancy can be harmful, potentially resulting in impaired fetal growth, and in severe cases, it can be fatal for both the mother and the infant. Hence, monitoring dietary intake and addressing any abnormal eating behaviors like pica are essential components of prenatal care.