Gynecology Quiz: Chapter 36

Gynecology

• Gynecology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the reproductive system in women.
• Obstetrics is a branch of gynecology that specifically deals with pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
• A liquid-based Pap test requires a plastic-fronded broom or cervical spatula, speculum, and a vial containing liquid preservative.

Patient Positioning

• For the breast and abdominal exam, the patient is placed in the supine position.
• For the pelvic examination, the patient is placed in the lithotomy position.
• The speculum is usually warmed before it is inserted, and the patient is encouraged to take deep breaths to help relax the abdominal muscles.

Pelvic Examination

• The order of activities during a pelvic examination is:
  • Inspection of external genitalia
  • Insertion of speculum
  • Inspection of vaginal and cervical tissues
  • Bimanual examination
  • Obtaining a vaginal specimen

Maturation Index

• A maturation index is collected along with a Pap test and is used to evaluate estrogen and progesterone balance, which assists in the diagnosis of infertility, menopause, or postmenopausal bleeding.

Colposcopy

• A provider may use an acetic acid wash during a colposcopy because it turns any abnormal tissue white.
• During a biopsy, the provider may use the face of a clock to determine the location of the biopsy, and this information should be documented for follow-up examinations.

Contraception

• Contraception is more commonly known as birth control.
• A cervical cap is a thimble-sized, domed barrier device that fits over the end of the cervix and keeps sperm from entering the cervical os.
• A sponge is a small disk-shaped device made of soft plastic foam that is inserted into the vagina, covering the cervix, and continuously releasing a spermicide that kills sperm.
• A vaginal ring is made of flexible plastic, inserted into the vagina, and slowly releases estrogen and progestin.
• An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped plastic frame with threads attached that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
• A contraceptive implant is a single, flexible rod, about the size of a match, that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and releases a low, steady dose of progestin.

Obstetrics

• The G, P, Ab notation system is used to record a patient's obstetric history, where G is the number of pregnancies, P is the number of viable births, and Ab is the number of spontaneous or induced abortions.
• A patient's prenatal visit schedule is typically every 4 weeks through 28 weeks' gestation, every 2 weeks through 35 weeks' gestation, and every 1 week until delivery.
• The patient should return about 6 weeks after delivery for a postpartum visit.

Labor and Delivery

• Effacement refers to the thinning or shortening of the cervix.
• Presentation refers to the position of the baby in the uterus.
• Lochia is the postpartum vaginal discharge.
• Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is positioned in the uterus, covering the opening of the cervix.

Maternal and Fetal Complications

• Toxoplasmosis is a condition caused by a parasite spread from cat litter, and can cause blindness and mental disabilities in the baby later in life.