3: Gynecologic Hx and Physical Exam Flashcards
When using 2 devices on a pelvic exam, do you use the endo- or ectocervical device first?
Ectocervical first.
During the bimanual exam, how do you feel a retroverted uterus?
- Keeping the hand palm-up, place the vaginal fingers together in the posterior fornix with the abdominal hand at the pubis.
- Press firmly downward with the abdominal fingers.
- With the vaginal fingers turned upward, press up against the cervix moving it inward.
T/F “Declines breast examination” or “Prefers pelvic examination to be included at a different visit,” avoids negative connotation association with, “Refused bimanual examination.”
True
How do you assess perineal muscle tone?
Ask the woman to tighten her muscles around your vaginal examining fingers.
How high should the top of the exam table be raised for pelvic exams?
At least 30 degrees.
This acronym is used to discover history of the present illness (and frequently used for pain).
OLDCARTS
- Onset
- Location
- Duration
- Characteristics
- Associated symptoms
- Relieving factors
- Timing
- Severity
Areas lateral to the uterus.
Adnexa
How does KOH make visualization of candida (yeast) infections easier?
Potassium hydroxide lyses trichomonads, white blood cells, and most bacteria, making visualization of Candida species easier.
What size is the cervix?
Diameter is 2-3 cm. Length is 3 cm.
What does GTPAL stand for?
- Gravida
- Term births (37-42 weeks)
- Preterm births (20-37 weeks)
- Abortions (less than 20 weeks, spontaneous or induced)
- Living children
When would anorectal cytology screening be recommended?
When individuals test positive for HPV on cervical screening and have had anal sex.
During a bimanual exam, what positions of the uterus allow for the fundus to be felt at the level of the pubis?
- Anteflexed
- Anteverted
What could significant cervical deviation from midline indicate?
Pelvic mass or adhesions.
T/F Symmetric, circumscribed erythema around the os is a normal finding caused by exposing, or everting, the columnar epithelium lining of the endocervical canal.
True. It occurs due to pressure of the speculum blades against the anterior and posterior fornices.
Why is Skene’s gland palpation usually omitted?
Causes pain. Usually omitted unless specific concern, such as exam for gonorrhea.
How much should a cervix move without pain or tenderness?
It should move 1-2 cm laterally if no pelvic inflammation.
How do you palpate Bartholin’s glands?
Palpate the Bartholin’s glands by inserting the index finger of the examining hand about 2 cm into the vagina near the perineum, turning the hand laterally, and gently palpating the tissue behind the vaginal wall between the thumb and index finger on one side; then, after rotating the examining hand, palpate in the same manner on the other side of the vagina.
Are Bartholin’s glands palpable?
Healthy Bartholin’s glands are not palpable, but if they are inflamed palpating will elicit notable pain. If a cyst is present, a fluctuant, nontender mass will be palpable. If an abscess is present, the site of the mass will be tender and warm. Many clinicians omit this portion of the examination unless a specific concern is identified.
How do you collect a vaginal swab specimin?
The swab is inserted into the vagina about 2 inches past the introitus and gently rotated for 10 to 30 seconds. The swab should touch the walls of the vagina to absorb moisture.
When the uterus is retroflexed or retroverted, this exam can allow an additional depth of 2.5 cm on manual exam and can be useful.
Rectovaginal exam
Asking “How may I help you today?” or “What brought you here today?” are good ways to elicit what?
Chief Complaint/Concern
Breast tissue that extends from the upper outer quadrant toward the axilla.
Tail of Spence
Where do most cervical cancers occur?
The squamocolumnar junction SCJ, or transformation zone, where columnar endocervical epithelium and squamous ectocervical epithelium meet, is where most cervical cancers arise.
What position is best for palpating the Tail of Spence?
Arms over head.
For individuals who are pre-coitarche but still require an internal examination, nulliparas, postmenopausal women, transgender men on testosterone, or transgender women with neovaginas, what speculum should be used?
Pederson
Are nonmedical pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterization of female genitalia considered mutilation?
Yes
How should a novice clinician decide how specific the physical exam should be? Ie should it include palpation of precordium or just ausculation of the heart?
Be able to state the rationale for including or excluding any assessment maneuver or particular feature of any organ system. If a rationale for performing a maneuver and obtaining the specific information that maneuver provides can be stated, then including it would be justified.
When seated, you should be at eye level with the _____ during a pelvic exam.
When seated, you should be at eye level with the perineum during a pelvic exam.
_____ cysts may be seen as small white or yellow, raised areas; these retention cysts of endocervical glands are a normal variation of the cervix.
Nabothian cysts may be seen as small white or yellow, raised areas; these retention cysts of endocervical glands are a normal variation of the cervix.
For an anorectal sample, how far do you insert the swab and how many times do you rotate?
- 5-6 cm into anal canal.
- Rotate 360 degrees and then continue rotating as you exit.
- This ensures transition zone cell collection.
Why would a pediatric speculum be used?
The shape and size minimizes pressure on the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, promoting a more comfortable examination.
Which 3 specimens are normally collected during a pelvic exam?
- Cervical cells for cytology screening.
- A vaginal or endocervical sample for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis testing.
- Vaginal secretions for microscopy.
Separate samples are not always needed (usually with liquid based medium).
T/F Extra nipples are usually bilateral.
False. Usually unilateral.