NCM 107: Serving Bedpans, Urinals, and Perineal Care

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, physiology, equipment, and clinical procedures for serving bedpans, urinals, and performing perineal care.

Bedside commode

A movable toilet chair with a removable basin or bucket made for individuals who are unable or have difficulty walking to the bathroom.

Bedpan

A portable medical bowl used for receiving urine and feces from a bedridden patient.

Edema

Swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues or interstitial spaces.

Micturition

The medical term for urination, representing the physiological process of discharging urine from the urinary bladder.

Perineum

The anatomical region located between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx, positioned between the external genitalia and the anus.

Perineal care

The procedure of cleansing the external genitalia and perineal region to promote hygiene, comfort, and prevent infection.

Perineal flushing

The technique of pouring or spraying warm water or antiseptic solution over the perineal area using a peri-bottle to maintain cleanliness.

Puerperium

The period following childbirth, typically lasting about $6$ weeks, during which reproductive organs return to their non-pregnant state.

Smegma

A whitish cheesy secretion composed of exfoliated epithelial cells, skin oils, and moisture accumulating under the foreskin or around the clitoris and labia minora.

Urinal

A portable receptacle designed specifically for collecting urine, primarily used by male or bedridden patients.

Urinary retention

The inability to completely or partially empty the bladder despite the presence of accumulated urine.

Corpora cavernosa

Two dorsal columns of erectile tissue that represent the main erectile tissue of the penis.

Corpus spongiosum

Ventral column of erectile tissue that surrounds the urethra and prevents urethral compression during erection.

Cremaster muscles

Striated muscle that pulls the testes upward toward the pelvic cavity in response to cold or physical threat.

Dartos muscles

Smooth muscle in the scrotal wall that contracts to wrinkle the scrotal skin, reducing surface area and heat loss.

Epididymis

A coiled tube along the posterior testis that stores and matures sperm.

Seminal vesicles

Glands posterior to the bladder that secrete alkaline fluid and fructose for sperm nutrition, producing $60\%$ of semen volume.

Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) gland

Small, pea-sized glands located inferior to the prostate that secrete basic mucus known as pre-ejaculatory fluid.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Hormone produced by the hypothalamus that signals the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH.

Spermarche

The onset of sperm production and the first ejaculation in males during puberty.

Vestibule

The space enclosed by the labia minora where the urethral and vaginal openings are located.

Greater Vestibular Glands

Also called Bartholin glands, these structures produce mucus that helps lubricate the vestibule/vaginal opening.

Myometrium

The middle layer of the uterine wall responsible for uterine contractions.

Endometrium

The innermost layer of the uterine wall used for menstrual shedding and implantation.

Ampulla

The most common site of fertilization within the fallopian tube.

Oogenesis

The process of gamete production in females that begins before birth.

Alveoli

Small sac-like structures within mammary glands lined with secretory cells where milk is produced.

Menarche

The first episode of menstrual bleeding occurring during female puberty.

Urogenital triangle

The anterior half of the perineum bounded by the pubic symphysis, ischiopubic rami, and ischial tuberosities.

Anal triangle

The posterior half of the perineum bounded by the coccyx, sacrotuberous ligaments, and ischial tuberosities.

Slipper or fracture bedpan

A shallow, wedge-shaped pan designed for patients with hip, pelvic, or spinal restrictions who cannot lift their hips.

Disposable Pulp

A single-use paper pulp basin utilized in healthcare settings to hold fluids safely and reduce cross-contamination.

Cygnet female urinal

An ergonomically shaped container molded for female anatomy with an angled spout and stable base.

Osmotic diuresis

The process where persistent hyperglycemia caused by Diabetes mellitus results in increased urine production and frequency.

Cystocele

The descent or protrusion of the bladder into the anterior vaginal wall due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Bladder diverticula

Pouch-like outpouchings of the bladder wall where urine may collect and fail to empty completely.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Enlargement of the prostate gland that can compress the urethra and obstruct normal urine flow.

Urethritis

An infection specifically located in the urethra.

Cystitis

An infection specifically located in the urinary bladder.

Pyelonephritis

An infection specifically located in the kidneys.