Contextual Awareness: Acknowledgment of feeling out of depth in emergencies; emphasis on active learning from experiences of all participants, regardless of gender.
Pre-Knowledge Assessment
Engagement Exercise: Participants encouraged to write down answers to questions regarding female reproductive health to gauge understanding.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: Source of Blood During Menstruation
Expected Response: Not just "her body", but specifically from the uterine lining.
Clarification Needed: Participants were encouraged to think deeper—"Where is that blood coming from?"
Question 2: Amount of Blood Lost During Menstruation
Expected Response: Not 5 liters or total blood volume; closer to 300 to 500 cc (3 to 5 milliliters) which is much lower than common assumptions.
Discussion: Acknowledgment that many women may not know the actual amount lost.
Question 3: Describing Pregnancy History Using GP and GT Pal
Key Terms: GP (Gravida, Para) and GT Pal for documenting pregnancy history. Important to learn these from hospital experiences.
Discussion: Emphasis on understanding and using medical terminologies accurately.
Question 4: Causes of Vaginal Bleeding Other than Menstrual Cycle
Participants required to identify five causes of vaginal bleeding aside from menstruation.
Question 5: Endometriosis
Definition Required: Participants to define endometriosis, focusing on understanding the complexity of this condition.
Question 6: Classic Findings for Ectopic Pregnancy
Discussion Points: Recognition of signs that lead to identifying ectopic pregnancies.
Question 7: Classic Findings for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Participants to identify common indicators of PID which may present in various cases.
Question 8: Toxic Shock Syndrome and Presentation
Definition Required: Explanation of this condition and its presentations—important for recognizing severe complications.
Group Discussion
Encouragement to Engage: Round table discussion about answers to questions with pairs.
Clarification of terms regarding menstruation, volume of blood loss, and potential complications discussed.
Case Study Analysis
Patient Description: 13-Year-Old Female
Symptoms: Sudden onset of abdominal pain starting in right flank and moving to the epigastric region.
Physical Presentation: The patient looks pale. Discussion on possible differential diagnoses including ovarian cysts.
Appropriate Questions to Ask Patient
Menstrual History: When was the last menstrual period? Importance of asking about period history for a young patient.
Consideration of Adolescent Context: Discussion on appropriateness of asking if a 13-year-old could be pregnant. Potential for misinterpretation by the patient.
Building Rapport: Strategies for questioning that involve parents to maintain a supportive atmosphere and open communication.
Vital Signs and Critical Condition Discussion
Assessment of Vital Signs: Monitoring breathing rate and heart rate to understand the patient's condition—possible recognition of SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).
Blood Loss Concerns: Discussion on patient potentially going into shock due to excessive blood loss from menstruation or another medical condition.
Discussion of Menstrual Functionality and Variability
Details of Normal Menstrual Cycle: Typical patterns of menstruation, including starts around age 12.
Changes Over Time: Historical perspective on menstruation age, relevance of societal factors such as diet, health care, and environmental issues.
Menstrual Symptoms and Next Steps
Symptoms Around Menstruation: Physical and emotional symptoms including breast pain, headaches, cramping, and mood changes.
Menopause Definition: Diagnosed when there has been no period for twelve months; the average age is 45-55 years. Importance for acknowledging the possibility of pregnancy until confirmed.
Age Variability in Period Onset: Highlighting that while averages exist, individuals may begin periods outside of expected norms.
Anatomical Knowledge of the Female Reproductive System
Key Structures: Importance of understanding anatomy including ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Each plays a crucial role in menstruation and reproductive health.
Menstrual Cycle Characteristics
Menstruation Defined: Blood discharge every 24-35 days standing from uterine lining shedding due to hormonal activity within the body. Each cycle facilitated by several hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
Cycle Overview: Explanation of the cycle from puberty, development of oocytes, ovulation process, and subsequent shedding of the uterine lining, leading to menstruation if fertilization does not occur.
Final Notes on Cycle Understanding and Female Empowerment
Menstrual Cycle as Empowerment: Importance of learning and understanding one's own cycle to better engage with broader health concerns and navigate conversations around reproductive health issues effectively.
Conclusion
Closing Remarks: Encouragement for individuals to respect the nuances of the menstrual cycle, emphasizing unique variations among women. Understanding these differences leads to better health literacy and personal empowerment.