WH - Pelvic Anatomy Flashcards
Describe the external genitalia
Clitoris, Labia majora and Labia minora (folds of skin and adipose tissue), Vagina, Urethra, Perineum, Anus
Describe the internal pelvic structures
Uterus, Cervix, Fallopian tubes, Ovaries
What is the top and bottom part of the uterus called?
Fundus; Cervix
What is the best position for a pelvic examination?
lithotomy position; best for internal and external evaluation
What are the three sizes of speculums?
Graves (largest); Pederson (smaller and thinner); Virginal (smallest)
What is the purpose of a speculum examination?
Use of an intravaginal instrument (speculum) to facilitate visualization of the cervix and vagina, and to perform a pap smear
What is a pap smear?
The retrieval of a specimen of the cervix
Describe a bimanual pelvic examination
- Hands on
- Palpation of the pelvic organs (uterus, cervix, and ovaries)
- Push up on cervix (cervical os) and down on the abdomen
What should be done first with a patient?
Patient history
What should be recorded when taking a patient’s history?
- Identify if it is a problem visit or a routine visit
- Identify onset, duration, cycle length, period length, previous pelvic problems, obstetrical history (pregnancy, births, miscarriages, etc.), types of birth control if any, family history, LMP, sexual partners
What are the 4 physical pelvic exams?
- Visual inspection of external genitalia
- speculum exam
- bimanual exam
- rectal exam +-
Describe normal vaginal findings
clear or white vaginal fluid, normal flora (lactobacillus, staph epidermidis, and beta-hemolytic streptococci), pH 3.8-4.5, microscopic sample exam including long rods, epithelial cells, few WBCs
What are common vaginal symptoms?
- discharge is curd-like, foamy, frothy, or discolored
- swelling and/or itching
- odor
- erythema (informed by patient or found)
Describe the pH assessment
A drop of vaginal discharge is applied to pH paper which indicates a basic or acidic environment
What does a decreased pH indicate?
yeast infection (candida)
