| 1) |
Begin by explaining the relationship of ice consumption to iron deficiency. |
| 2) |
Explain other ice consumption cases you have encountered where the patient was reluctant to disclose the cravings (Crosby, 1971). |
| 3) |
Ask direct, pagophagia-related questions. |
|
Examples: |
Do you crave ice? |
|
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Would it upset you if you were unable to chew ice every day? |
|
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Do your family or friends think that you chew too much ice? |
| 4) |
If the responses above are affirmative, ask more specific questions. |
|
Examples: |
Do you prefer any particular types of ice? |
|
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How long have you craved ice? |
|
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How much ice do you chew each day? |
| 5) |
If the patient answers yes to any of the pagophagia questions, iron deficiency should be suspected and evaluated. |
