Vaginal exam

Question 1

First steps?

Answer 1

1 - Introduce Yourself
2 - Confirm for patients' details
3 - Explain the procedure
4 - Gain Consent
5 - Ask if they have any pain before starting

Question 2

Before starting…

Answer 2

1 - Position patient supine
2 - Ensure a chaperone is present
3 - Enquiry about possible pregnancy
4 - Wash hands
5 - Gather equipment

Question 3

Equipment?

Answer 3

Lubricant jelly
Paper towel
Gloves

Question 4

Second step?

Answer 4

Inspect vagina

• Masses?
• Erythema
• Scars
• Swelling
• Rashes

Question 5

Third step?

Answer 5

Asses vaginal prolapse

ask the patient to cough

Question 6

Fourth step?

Answer 6

1 - Lubricate fingers
2 - Asses vagina and cervix
3 - Palpate the uterus
4 - Palpate the adnexa
5 - Check for blood or discharge

Question 7

Final step?

Answer 7

Ask the patient to cover themselves
Give a paper towel
Thank the patient

Question 8

Summarise findings

Answer 8

“Today I’ve performed a vaginal examination on Grace, a 22 year old woman. On examination, the abdomen was soft and non tender, the vulva was normal.
Internally, the vagina was normal, there was no cervical excitation. The uterus was of normal shape, size and non-tender and was retroverted.

The adnexa were unremarkable, with no masses.

In summary, this was a normal vaginal examination”