Gynecologic Emergencies Flashcards
(26 cards)
Define
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
an infection of the upper female reproductive organs—specifically, the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes—that occurs almost exclusively in sexually active women
Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to what?
pelvic inflammatory disease
Define
Bacterial Vaginosis
An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina; characterized by itching, burning, or pain, and possibly a “fishy”- smelling discharge.
Define
Gonorrhea
A sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Define
Chlamydia
A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis
Whats a good question to ask when evaluating vaginal bleeding?
How many pads have you went through? How saturated were they?
Define
Labia majora
Outer fleshy “lips” covered with pubic hair that protect
the vagina.
Define
Labia minora
Inner fleshy “lips” devoid of pubic hair that protect the vagina.
Define
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
An infection of the fallopian tubes and the surrounding tissues of the pelvis
Define
Perineum
The area of skin between the vagina and the anus
Define
Sexual assault
An attack against a person that is sexual in nature, the most common of which is rape.
How does a woman’s body being uniquely formed to conceive and give birth impact her health?
This difference makes women susceptible to a number of conditions that do not occur in men.
If fertilization of the ovum does not occur, how long after ovulation does menstruation typically begin, and how long does it last?
Within about 14 days of ovulation, the lining of the uterus begins to separate, and menstruation occurs, lasting about 1 week.
What happens when a girl reaches puberty?
She begins to ovulate and experience menstruation
Until what point in a woman’s life does she typically continue to experience the cycle of ovulation and menstruation?
Until they reach menopause.
What is the range of causes for gynecologic emergencies?
They are varied and range from sexually transmitted diseases to trauma.
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
An infection of the upper female reproductive organs: the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
What serious complications can PID lead to?
Ectopic pregnancy or an abscess, which can cause death.
What can sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) lead to besides their initial symptoms?
More serious conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
What is the primary cause of menstrual bleeding?
Because menstrual bleeding occurs every month in most women.
What are some possible causes of vaginal bleeding besides normal menstruation?
Abnormal menstruation, vaginal trauma, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), cervical polyps, and even cancer.
Are there many interventions that can or should be done in the prehospital setting to treat a gynecologic emergency?
There are few interventions that can or should be done in the prehospital setting to treat a gynecologic emergency.
When dealing with patients who have a gynecologic emergency, what must you maintain?
The patients’ privacy as much as possible.
What are some challenges EMTs may face when called to treat a victim of sexual assault?
Serious psychological and legal issues.
