What symptom best indicates that a client has hyperemesis gravidarum?

Severe, persistent vomiting is the most indicative symptom of hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This severe form of morning sickness can lead to significant weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, all of which set it apart from typical nausea. Women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum often find it difficult to retain food or fluids, and their symptoms can persist beyond the first trimester, unlike more common nausea experienced in early pregnancy.

In contrast, frequent abdominal cramps may signal other gastrointestinal issues but are not definitive for hyperemesis gravidarum. Normal fluctuations in appetite suggest that a person is experiencing regular pregnancy-related changes rather than the severe complications associated with hyperemesis. Occasional indigestion can occur in many pregnancies and does not necessarily point to hyperemesis gravidarum. Therefore, the presence of severe, persistent vomiting is the primary symptom that best captures the essence of this serious condition.