Introduction to Human Anatomy and Reproductive Health

Assessment in Nursing

  • Role of Nursing in Patient Assessments

    • Nurses typically do not conduct internal assessments independently.

    • In labor and delivery, specific assessments may be covered in future classes.

    • Importance of recognizing normal vs. abnormal assessments

  • Legal and Ethical Considerations

    • Pelvic exams under anesthesia may occur without patient consent in some states.

    • Medical students may practice on patients during surgical procedures.

Female Anatomy Review

  • Breast Anatomy

    • Components:

    • Glandular tissue: Produces milk during breastfeeding.

    • Lobules: Sites for milk production and storage.

    • Ducts: Temporarily transport milk to the nipple.

    • Fibrous tissue: Provides breast support; breast size and shape can change with weight.

    • Areola: Pigmented area around the nipple; contains blood vessels.

    • Cooper's ligaments: Provide additional breast support.

    • Muscles: Pectoralis major and minor support the breast structure.

  • Lymphatic System in Breast Health

    • Each breast drains to axillary lymph nodes, crucial for detecting breast cancer.

    • Enlarged lymph nodes may indicate cancer progression.

    • Regular self-exams advised to familiarize with normal breast tissue.

Lactation and Breastfeeding

  • Milk Production

    • Colostrum: Early milk rich in nutrients; typically appears 2 days postpartum.

    • Appearance: Dark yellow; can be harvested prior to delivery.

External Female Genitalia

  • Anatomical Structures

    • Vulva includes:

    • Mons pubis: Fat pad covered with hair.

    • Labia majora and labia minora: Folds of skin.

    • Clitoris: Erectile tissue at the top, sensitive to stimulation.

    • Vestibule: Area housing the openings for the urethra and vagina; includes glands for lubrication.

  • Understanding Structures

    • Six openings found within the vestibule: urethral opening, vaginal opening, anus, and two sets of glands (Skene's and Bartholin's glands).

    • Importance of proper cleaning and hygiene practices described.

Internal Female Anatomy

  • Overview of Female Reproductive System

    • Structures include the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

    • Uterus: Hollow muscle, shape similar to an inverted pear, permits cramping.

    • Fallopian tubes: Transport eggs; do not directly connect to ovaries.

    • Ovaries: reproductive organs where eggs are stored.

    • Hormone secretion: Estrogen and progesterone from ovaries.

    • Women are born with all eggs they will have.

Changes with Age and Conditions

Infancy and Adolescence

  • Hormonal Transfer from Mother

    • Infants may exhibit enlarged breast tissue or genitalia due to maternal hormonal influence.

    • Witch's milk: A myth regarding white discharge; children can experience menstruation-like symptoms from hormonal transfer.

Adolescent Development

  • Tanner Scale

    • A method of assessing sexual maturation during puberty.

    • Significant changes occur; interest in sexual health often increases.

Pregnancy

  • Changes include:

    • Increased breast size, vascularity, and darkened areola.

    • Vaginal secretions may increase.

    • Changes to the cervix, including Chadwick's sign (blue discoloration).

    • Tissues may soften, leading to potential prolapse or hormonal changes affecting sexual desire.

Menstruation and Menopause

  • Menarche

    • Onset of menstruation occurring in early adolescence.

  • Menopause

    • Cessation of menstruation, indicating the end of reproductive years.

Health Histories and Common Complaints

  • Chief Complaints in Women’s Health

    • Discomfort, abnormal bleeding, infertility, and menstrual issues.

  • History Taking

    • Menstrual history: Age of menarche and onset of menopause.

    • Sexual and obstetric history assessing activity and pregnancies.

Awareness and Consultation

Women's Health Advocacy

  • Increased emphasis on understanding conditions affecting women’s reproductive health, such as endometriosis and PCOS.

  • Importance of discussing reproductive rights with adolescents, including consent laws and confidentiality.

Risk Assessments

  • Importance of family history, especially related to cancers like breast and ovarian cancer.

  • Current health status insights including dietary habits and health risks to consider in assessments.

    • Advises caution against using non-medical objects for sexual experimentation to prevent injury and infection.

Examination Techniques

Breast Examination

  • Dividing the Breast for Self-Exam

    • Breast anatomy divided into quadrants: Upper inner, upper outer, lower inner, lower outer.

  • Observation Techniques

    • Inspection of breast shape, size, and dimpling changes with movement.

  • Palpation Techniques

    • Different methods: vertical strip, circular, wedge; ensure complete tissue evaluation.

    • Regular self-exams and mammograms recommended, particularly for women over 40.

Special Considerations

Male Breast Health

  • Awareness of breast cancer in men; can occur although rare (approx. 1%).

  • Gynecomastia: Condition of breast tissue enlargement in men often related to hormonal imbalances.

Abnormal Findings and Breast Health

  • Changes in nipple appearance or retraction could indicate pathology.

  • Lymph nodes can reveal crucial diagnostic information, particularly in cancer detection.

Conclusion and Professional Development

  • As nursing professionals, maintaining an open, respectful dialogue about reproductive health is essential to provide quality patient care, enhance trust, and promote patient education about body awareness and health practices.