EMT Chapter 21 Gynecologic Emergencies

Which of the following statements regarding pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is correct?

-PID can scar the fallopian tubes, which increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic Pregnancy

-a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes

Gonorrhea

-a sexually transmitted disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, grows and multiplies rapidly -symptoms, which are generally more severe in men than in women, appear approximately 2 to 10 days after exposure -when symptoms do appear in women, they generally manifest as painful urination, with associated burning or itching and vaginal discharge - S/S painful or difficulty swallowing, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fever. If left untreated could spread to other parts of body via lymph node

Chlamydia

-a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis -some women may have symptoms including lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, and/or bleeding (including discharge) between menstrual periods -can spread from cervix to anus -left untreated, the disease can progress to PID

Sexual Assault

-an attack against a person that is sexual in nature, the most common of which is rape

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

-an infection of the Fallopian tubes and the surrounding tissues of the pelvis -although life threatening its ultimate consequence is ectopic pregnancy or abscess build up that can be lethal -the most common gynecological reason why women call for emergency medical services -an infection of the female upper organs of reproduction -- specifically, the uterus, ovaries, and Fallopian tubes -- that occurs almost exclusively in sexually active women -S/S lower abdominal pain and discharge, fever, nausea and vomiting. ... and sex hurts

Bacterial Vaginosis

-an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina -characterized by itching, burning, or pain, and possibly a "fishy" smelling discharge -left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can lead to premature birth or low birth weight in case of pregnancy, make the patient more susceptible to more serious infections, and result in PID

Which of the following conditions would MOST likely lead to PID if left untreated?

-chlamydia

Vaginal Bleeding

-could be overlooked as menstruation -may be abnormal menstruation, vaginal trauma, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion(miscarriage), cervical polyps, and possible due to cancer

Labia Minora

-inner fleshy "lips" devoid of pubic hair that protect the vagina

When caring for a woman who is experiencing a gynecologic emergency, the EMT's main focus should be to:

-maintain her ABCs and transport without delay

Labia Majora

-outer fleshy "lips" covered with pubic hair that protect the vagina

Potentially life-threatening consequences of PID include:

-ovarian abscess and ectopic pregnancy

Which of the following statements regarding gonorrhea is correct?

-painful urination is a common symptom of gonorrhea in men and women

Rape

-sexual intercourse inflicted forcibly on another person, against that person's will (legal diagnosis)

Perineum

-the area of skin between the vagina and the anus

Cervix

-the lower third, or neck, of the uterus

Uterus

-the muscular organ where the fetus grows, also called the womb -responsible for contractions during labor

Vagina

-the outermost cavity of a woman's reproductive system -the lower part of the birth canal

Ovaries

-the primary female reproductive organs that produce an ovum, or egg, that, if fertilized, will develop into a fetus

Ovulation

-the process in which an ovum is released from a follicle

Fallopian Tubes

-the tubes that connect each ovary with the uterus and are the primary location for fertilization of the ovum