ch 24 Flashcards
What is the female reproductive system composed of
Ovaries fallopian tubes uterus cervix and vagina
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Infection of the upper female reproductive organs including uterus ovaries and fallopian tubes
What are common symptoms of PID
Lower abdominal pain abnormal vaginal discharge fever pain during intercourse
What is the most common cause of PID
Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia
What is an ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus usually in the fallopian tube
What are signs of an ectopic pregnancy
Severe lower abdominal pain vaginal bleeding missed period signs of shock
Why is ectopic pregnancy a life-threatening emergency
The fallopian tube can rupture causing internal bleeding and shock
What is bacterial vaginosis
Overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria causing discharge itching and odor
What is a common symptom of bacterial vaginosis
Fishy-smelling discharge and vaginal irritation
What is a common symptom of gonorrhea in women
Painful urination vaginal discharge abdominal pain
What is the EMT’s main role in gynecologic emergencies
Provide privacy comfort and rapid transport while managing bleeding or shock
What should you always consider with lower abdominal pain in females of childbearing age
Ectopic pregnancy until ruled out
What is important when assessing vaginal bleeding
Amount duration associated pain pregnancy status and trauma
Should an EMT ever place anything into a patient’s vagina to control bleeding
No never
What are signs of possible sexual assault or abuse
Injuries to genitals torn clothing anxiety bruises or withdrawn behavior
What should you do if you suspect sexual assault
Maintain scene safety limit examination preserve evidence provide emotional support
What is your first priority when responding to a sexual assault call
Treat life-threatening injuries and ensure patient consent and safety
What should you do when transporting a sexual assault victim
Discourage bathing changing or using the bathroom if possible to preserve evidence
What is the primary cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Bacterial infection often from STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia
What are serious complications of PID
Infertility ectopic pregnancy abscess and chronic pelvic pain
What symptom is a red flag for PID during assessment
Lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking or intercourse
What is the classic presentation of ectopic pregnancy
Sudden severe lower abdominal pain missed period vaginal bleeding possible shoulder pain
At what point can an ectopic pregnancy become life-threatening
When the fallopian tube ruptures leading to internal hemorrhage and shock
What are signs that ectopic pregnancy has progressed to shock
Pale cool skin weak pulse hypotension rapid breathing
What is bacterial vaginosis caused by
Imbalance of normal vaginal bacteria
What are symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Thin gray or white discharge with a fishy odor mild itching or burning
Can bacterial vaginosis lead to more serious infections
Yes it can lead to PID or preterm labor if pregnant
What STD causes painful urination and vaginal discharge in females
Gonorrhea
What complications can gonorrhea cause in untreated cases
PID infertility systemic infection
What is a major risk factor for gynecologic infections
Unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners
Why is PID sometimes difficult to diagnose
Symptoms may be mild or vague and mimic other conditions like appendicitis
What should you always consider in reproductive-age women with abdominal pain
Ectopic pregnancy or PID
What lab finding confirms pregnancy but not location
Positive urine or blood hCG test
What condition may cause generalized lower abdominal pain fever and foul-smelling discharge
Advanced PID
What condition presents with vaginal bleeding and hypotension in a pregnant patient
Suspected ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
A 23-year-old woman complains of diffuse lower abdominal pain that worsens with walking and has a fever and abnormal discharge What condition is most likely
pelvic inflammatory disease
A 30-year-old woman presents with sudden sharp lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding and is pale and diaphoretic What condition should you suspect
ruptured ectopic pregnancy
A 25-year-old woman says she missed her period has abdominal pain and now has light spotting What condition must be ruled out
ectopic pregnancy
A patient complains of vaginal irritation and foul-smelling gray discharge but denies pain or fever What condition is likely
bacterial vaginosis
A 19-year-old with multiple partners has painful urination and yellow vaginal discharge What STI is most likely
gonorrhea
A woman in her first trimester presents with hypotension shoulder pain and abdominal tenderness What condition should you suspect
ectopic pregnancy with internal bleeding
A 28-year-old complains of abdominal pain that worsens during intercourse with low-grade fever and discharge What condition is likely
pelvic inflammatory disease
You are called for a woman with heavy vaginal bleeding and signs of hypoperfusion What is your first priority
manage shock and transport rapidly
A young woman found unresponsive has signs of trauma to her genitals and torn clothing What condition should be considered
sexual assault
A patient with abdominal pain tells you she has a history of PID and is sexually active without protection What could be a potential complication
ectopic pregnancy
A patient presents with vaginal bleeding and hypotension what is your immediate intervention
Manage airway support breathing control bleeding treat for shock
A woman with signs of ectopic pregnancy and abdominal distention is in severe pain what is the priority
Rapid transport to a facility capable of surgery
You suspect PID in a stable patient what is your transport decision
Non-emergent transport with position of comfort and emotional support
A patient with vaginal bleeding becomes unresponsive during assessment what should you do
Begin BLS manage airway and consider rapid transport
What is an appropriate position for a stable gynecologic patient with abdominal pain
Supine with knees bent if tolerated or position of comfort
What should you do to preserve evidence in a possible sexual assault case
Do not allow patient to change clothing or shower and discourage urination if possible
What should you avoid doing in a sexual assault situation
Do not perform unnecessary physical exams or question the patient in detail
What documentation is important in suspected sexual assault cases
Objective findings patient statements emotional state and any physical evidence noted
What is your approach if a patient is emotionally distressed or hesitant to speak
Provide privacy use calm reassurance and involve female providers if possible
A patient with abdominal pain refuses transport but you suspect ectopic pregnancy what should you do
Clearly explain the risks encourage transport and document thoroughly
Any reproductive-age woman with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding could have what
An ectopic pregnancy
Why is ectopic pregnancy considered a medical emergency
It can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding
What symptoms can PID present with
Lower abdominal pain painful intercourse fever or abnormal discharge
What are some non-pregnancy-related causes of vaginal bleeding
Trauma hormonal imbalance tumors or infection
What should you assess for in a patient with vaginal bleeding
Amount duration and signs of shock
How should you approach patients with gynecologic complaints
Calm respectful and nonjudgmental
Why is it important to offer a same-sex provider
To ensure comfort and reduce emotional stress
What should you avoid in suspected sexual assault cases
Unnecessary exams and disrupting potential evidence
What should you do to preserve forensic evidence
Avoid letting the patient change clothes or use the restroom
Can a positive pregnancy test rule out ectopic pregnancy
No only imaging can confirm the location of the pregnancy
What emotional response is common in gynecologic emergencies
Anxiety fear or embarrassment
What should you consider about the scene in potential assault calls
Scene safety and potential ongoing threats
How can you encourage patients to share important history
Create a safe private and respectful environment
