Obstetric Nursing and Human Sexuality

These vocabulary flashcards cover essential concepts from obstetric nursing, including anatomy, menstrual phases, signs of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and complications.

Sexuality

Encompasses the complex emotions, feelings, preferences, attitudes, and behaviors that are related to sexual self and eroticism.

Gender

The sense of femininity or masculinity.

Sex

Biologic male or female status.

Vulva

The collective term for external female genitalia.

Mons pubis (Mons Veneris)

A pad of adipose tissue that lies over the symphysis pubis, covered by skin and hair at puberty.

Labia Majora

Two large folds of adipose tissue covered by loose connective tissue and epithelium that protect the external genitalia, distal urethra, and vagina.

Clitoris

A pea-shaped structure composed of erectile tissues and sensitive nerve endings; the site of sexual arousal and eroticism in females.

Fourchette

Formed by the posterior joining of the labia minora and majora; a common site for episiotomy.

Vestibule

An almond-shaped structure containing the urinary meatus, Skene's gland, hymen, vaginal orifice, and Bartholin's gland.

Skene's Gland

Also called the Paraurethral Gland; secretes small amounts of mucus for lubrication during sexual intercourse.

Bartholin's Gland

Also termed as Paravaginal Gland; secretes an alkaline substance responsible for neutralizing vaginal acidity to keep sperm alive.

Rugae

Thick folds of membranous stratified epithelium in the vagina which permit stretching without tearing.

Isthmus (Uterine)

The short segment between the body and the cervix; the portion of the uterus most commonly cut during a Cesarean section.

Myometrium

The muscle layer of the uterus that prevents regurgitation of menstrual blood into the tubes and contracts during labor.

Decidua

The Latin word for 'falling off'; refers to the uterine lining during pregnancy.

Ampulla

The longest portion of the fallopian tube and the common site for fertilization and ectopic pregnancy.

Epididymis

The site of maturation for sperm and the structure responsible for conducting sperm from the testis to the vas deferens.

FSH (Follicle-stimulating Hormone)

Hormone active early in the cycle responsible for the maturation of the primordial follicle.

LH Surge

Coincides with ovulation; the extrusion of the ovum from the Graafian follicle.

Zygote

The product of fertilization from conception to less than $2$ weeks age of gestation.

Viability

The stage at which a fetus is capable of living outside the utero, typically defined as $24$ weeks and above.

Gravida

The number of pregnancies that reach the age of viability regardless of the outcome.

Implantation

Contact between the growing structure and the uterine endometrium, occurring approximately $8$ to $10$ days after fertilization.

Quickening

Fetal movement felt by the woman, usually occurring between $18$ to $20$ weeks.

Chadwick's Sign

A bluish-purple discoloration of the vagina due to increased vascularity.

Goodell's Sign

Softening of the cervix to prepare for dilation and effacement.

Hegar's Sign

Softening of the lower uterine segment.

Ballottement

Occurs when the fetus is felt to rise against the abdominal wall after the lower uterine segment is tapped during an exam.

Leopold's Maneuvers

A systematic method of abdominal palpation used to determine fetal presentation and position.

Pica

A medical disorder characterized by an appetite for non-nutritive substances such as clay, sand, or soil.

Epulis

Swelling of the gums causing gingival bleeding, attributed to increased estrogen levels.

Diastasis Recti

A normal physiological response where the rectus abdominis muscle separates during pregnancy.

Physiologic Lordosis

Also known as the 'Pride of Pregnancy'; it is an increased outward curvature of the spine resulting in back pain.

L:S ratio (Lecithin:sphingomyelin)

A test for fetal lung maturity where a normal result is a ratio of $2:1$.

H-MOLE (Hydatidiform Mole)

Gestational trophoblastic disease characterized by a 'snow-storm' appearance on ultrasound due to abnormal villi proliferation.

Gynecoid Pelvis

The 'normal' female pelvis with a well-rounded inlet; considered ideal for childbirth.

Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)

Condition where the size of the fetal head is greater than the maternal pelvis dimensions.

Fetal Station

The relationship of the presenting part to the level of the ischial spines ($0$ station means the part is engaged).

Lightening

The descent of the fetus into the pelvis, occurring about $2$ weeks prior to labor in primigravidas.

Nitrazine Test

A test using paper that turns blue in the presence of alkaline amniotic fluid to determine if membranes have ruptured.

Calkin's Sign

A sign of placental expulsion where the uterus becomes firm and globular.

Schultze Presentation

Placental delivery where the shiny fetal membrane side presents first; associated with less bleeding.

Duncan Presentation

Placental delivery where the raw, red maternal side presents first; associated with more bleeding.

Taking-in Phase

The first phase of the puerperium where the woman is passive, dependent, and reviews her labor and birth experience.

Taking-hold Phase

The second phase of the puerperium where the mother begins to initiate action and becomes independent in self-care and newborn care.

Lochia Rubra

The bright red vaginal discharge occurring $1$ to $3$ days postpartum.

Lochia Serosa

The pinkish or brownish vaginal discharge occurring from day $3$ to day $10$ postpartum.

Lochia Alba

The white vaginal discharge occurring from day $10$ until the $3rd$ to $6th$ week postpartum.

Cullen's Sign

Ecchymosis around the umbilicus due to hemoperitoneum, found in ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Placenta Previa

Abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower uterus, characterized by painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester.

Abruptio Placenta

The early separation of the placenta prior to delivery, causing sharp, stabbing pain and uterine rigidity.

Couvelaire Uterus

A condition in central abruptio placentae where blood enters the myometrium, turning the uterus bluish or copper-colored.

Involution

The return of reproductive organs to their pre-pregnancy state, typically progressing at $1 cm$ per day.

Homan's Sign

Pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot, which may indicate deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.