Week 15 Medical Assistant Chap 16, 23: Reproductive System, Assisting in Obstetrics and Gynecology

What is the purpose of a gynecologic examination?

To assess the health of reproductive organs and detect early signs of disease.

What components are included in a gynecologic examination?

Breast examination and pelvic examination.

What is the primary goal of prenatal care?

To promote the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy.

What are the responsibilities of a medical assistant (MA) during a gynecologic examination?

Explain procedures to the patient, assist with examinations, and help make the patient comfortable.

Define amenorrhea.

The absence or cessation of the menstrual period.

What is the cervix?

The lower narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

What does colposcopy involve?

Examination of the cervix using a colposcope.

What is dysmenorrhea?

Pain associated with the menstrual period.

Define dyspareunia.

Pain in the vagina or pelvis experienced during intercourse.

What is dysplasia?

The growth of abnormal cells, which may be a precancerous condition.

What is menopause?

The permanent cessation of menstruation, usually occurring between ages 45 and 55.

What is menorrhagia?

Excessive bleeding during the menstrual period, also called dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB).

What does metrorrhagia refer to?

Bleeding between menstrual periods.

What is perimenopause?

The phase before the onset of menopause characterized by irregular menstrual cycles.

What is the perineum?

The region between the vaginal orifice and anus in females, and between the scrotum and anus in males.

Define risk factor in the context of disease.

Anything that increases an individual's chance of developing a disease.

What is the first step in a gynecologic examination?

A breast examination.

What should be inspected during a breast examination?

Swelling, dimpling, puckering, and changes in skin texture.

What is breast self-examination (BSE)?

A method for women to check their own breasts for lumps or changes.

What are the breast cancer screening guidelines for women aged 40-44?

They should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms.

How often should women aged 45-54 get mammograms?

Every year.

What is the recommendation for women 55 and older regarding mammograms?

They should switch to a mammogram every other year or continue yearly mammograms.

What is the purpose of cervical cancer screening?

To detect cervical cancer early and improve treatment outcomes.

What tests are involved in cervical cancer screening?

The Pap test and the HPV test.

What should women do if they notice changes in their breasts?

Report any changes to a health care provider right away.

What are the common gynecologic infections to identify?

Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and HPV infection.

What is the purpose of a pelvic examination?

To assess reproductive organs, including their size, shape, location, and to detect the presence of disease.

What are the components of a pelvic examination?

Inspection of external genitalia, vagina, cervix, collection of a Pap test specimen, bimanual pelvic examination, and rectal-vaginal examination.

What is the recommended patient position for a pelvic examination?

Lithotomy position, with the patient lying on her back, feet in stirrups, and buttocks at the bottom edge of the table.

How should the patient be draped during a pelvic examination?

Properly draped to reduce exposure and provide warmth.

What should the medical assistant (MA) do to help the patient relax during the examination?

Encourage deep, slow, and even breathing.

What is the role of the MA during the pelvic examination?

To remain in the room for legal protection, reassure the patient, and assist the physician.

At what age should cervical cancer screening begin?

At age 21.

What are the recommendations for Pap tests for women aged 21-29?

Pap test every 3 years.

What is the recommended screening for women aged 30-65?

Pap test plus HPV test every 5 years.

What is the primary purpose of a Pap test?

To detect abnormal cells that may develop into cervical cancer.

What does the HPV test detect?

The genetic material of high-risk types of HPV that have infected cervical cells.

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

The most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, caused by an imbalance in normal flora.

What are the symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis?

White patches, thick odorless discharge, vulval irritation, and dysuria.

What is the causative agent of trichomoniasis?

Trichomonas vaginalis.

What are common symptoms of chlamydia?

Dysuria, itching, irritation, and yellowish odorless vaginal discharge.

What complications can arise from untreated chlamydia?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, scarring of fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.

What is gonorrhea caused by?

The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea in women?

Dysuria and yellow vaginal discharge.

What is genital herpes characterized by?

Small fluid-filled blisters on or around the genitals, anus, or lips.

What is the most common STI in the United States?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

What is the function of a vaginal speculum?

To hold the vagina apart for visual inspection of the vagina and cervix.

What should be done with a metal speculum before use?

It can be warmed for patient comfort.

What is the maturation index (MI)?

An endocrine evaluation performed on cells taken from the lateral vaginal wall.

What is the Bethesda system?

A reporting system used for Pap test results that provides a detailed description.

What is the role of the cytotechnologist?

To study slides under a microscope for abnormalities.

What is the purpose of a rectal-vaginal examination?

To obtain information on the tone and alignment of pelvic organs and the presence of hemorrhoids.

What is the recommended action if abnormal discharge is present during inspection?

Obtain a specimen for laboratory analysis.

What is the significance of the HPV types 16 and 18?

They are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers.

What is the purpose of the cytology request form?

To accompany all Pap specimens and assist the laboratory in evaluating the specimen.

What should be included in the general information section of the cytology request?

Physician's and patient's information, date and time of collection, and collection method.

What should be done if a vaginal lesion is observed during specimen collection?

A specimen should be collected from the lesion.

What is the role of the MA in specimen preparation?

To follow specific steps depending on the brand of liquid-based preparation being used.

What is the importance of the cytobroom in specimen collection?

It allows for combined cervical and endocervical specimens to be collected effectively.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

An imbalance in normal flora of the vagina, often asymptomatic.

What are common symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis?

White patches, thick odorless discharge, vulval irritation, and dysuria.

What organism causes trichomoniasis?

Trichomonas vaginalis.

How is chlamydia primarily transmitted?

Through sexual intercourse.

What is the main symptom of genital herpes?

Small fluid-filled blisters on or around the genitals, anus, or lips.

What position should a patient be in for a pelvic examination?

Lithotomy position, lying on back with feet in stirrups.

What is the purpose of the Pap test?

To detect abnormal cells that may develop into cervical cancer.

What is the HPV test used for?

To detect genetic material of high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.

What is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age?

Bacterial vaginosis.

What is the treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis?

Application of vaginal ointments or suppositories.

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Profuse frothy discharge, itching, irritation, and dyspareunia.

What is the primary method for diagnosing chlamydia?

Nuclei acid amplification test (NAAT).

What can untreated chlamydia lead to?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

What is the diagnosis method for gonorrhea?

DNA-probe test or NAAT.

What should be done before a Pap test?

Instruct the patient to avoid douching, tampons, and sexual intercourse for 2 days.

What is the purpose of the rectal-vaginal examination?

To assess pelvic organ tone and alignment and check for hemorrhoids.

What is a common symptom of PID?

Lower abdominal pain.

What is the role of the medical assistant during a pelvic examination?

To help the patient relax, provide reassurance, and assist the physician.

What is the collection method for a cervical specimen?

Using an S-shaped spatula to scrape cells from the ectocervix.

What is the purpose of warming a metal speculum?

To make the examination more comfortable for the patient.

What is the significance of HPV types 16 and 18?

They are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers.

What should be done with a specimen collected for a Pap test?

It must be sent to the laboratory for analysis.

What is a common treatment for trichomoniasis?

Antibiotics.

What is the purpose of a bimanual pelvic examination?

To palpate the uterus and ovaries for size, shape, and tenderness.

What is the typical age to start cervical cancer screening?

At age 21.

What is the role of isotonic saline in identifying trichomoniasis?

It is added to the vaginal discharge on a slide for microscopic examination.

What are the symptoms of PID?

Lower abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and dyspareunia.

What is the purpose of the liquid-based preparation in cytology?

To enhance specimen quality and reduce false-negative results.

What is the main cause of cervical cancer?

Almost all cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is the treatment for gonorrhea?

Antibiotics, often in combination with treatment for chlamydia.

What is a common symptom of genital herpes?

Fluid-filled blisters on or around the genitals.

What should be avoided before a cervical screening?

Douching, tampons, vaginal medications, and sexual intercourse for 2 days.

Why is it important to properly drape the patient during a pelvic examination?

To reduce exposure and provide warmth.

What should a medical assistant do to help the patient relax during the examination?

Encourage the patient to breathe deeply, slowly, and evenly through the mouth.

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be fishy in odor.

What is vulvovaginal candidiasis commonly known as?

A yeast infection.

What are common symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Profuse, frothy vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, and dyspareunia.

What bacterium causes chlamydia?

Chlamydia trachomatis.

What are the common symptoms of chlamydia in women?

Dysuria, itching, irritation, and yellowish odorless vaginal discharge.

What bacterium causes gonorrhea?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

What is the primary purpose of the HPV test?

To detect high-risk types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer.