2. Vaginal examination
This is the examination of the vaginal canal to assess
aspects of gynecological conditions
Indications
1. Gynecological conditions
Tumor- cervical/uterine cancers
Displacement of the uterus
Cysts
Abortion
Abnormal vaginal discharges
To exclude extra uterine pregnancies e.g. ectopic, abdominal
Septed vagina
Trauma
Before insertion of a coil
Contra indications
Excessive vaginal bleeding
A patient admitted fro trial labor
3. Vaginal examination cont’d
Requirements
Tray:
Sterile bowel for lotion
Gauze swabs aor cotton wool balls
Sterile vaginal speculum in a reciever
Sanitary pads
Recievers
Lotion)normal saline or 1:100 savlon
Sterile gloves
Obstetric cream(lubricating cream)
Mackintosh and towel
Torch or angled lamp
4. Vaginal examination cont’d
Procedure
Explain the procedure to the patient
The bed is screened
Ensure that the patient empties her bladder before
examination
Place the mackintosh and towel under patient’s buttocks
Help the patient into dorsal position with knees apart
Wash hands and put on sterile gloves
Re; assure and encourage the patient to relax
The vulva is inspected for any abnormality
Swab the vulva using sterile swabs for each part doing
the swabbing in the following order
Left labia major then right labia major
Left labia minor then right labia minor
The vaginal introitus
Insert lubricated fingers(index & middle fingers of the
examining hand into the vagina
5. Vaginal examination cont’d
After completion of the examination give the patient
sanitary pads
Clear away used equipments
1. Observations to record
I. External genitalia
Edema, varicose veins, warts, perineal scars
II. Condition of the vagina
It should be warm and easily distended with fingers.
Hotness indicates infection
A tight vagina indicates a tense patient
Any vaginal discharge is noted
6. Rectal examination
Indications
1. For diagnostic purposes
2. To exclude imperforate anus in new born, hemorrhage
from the lower bowel
3. Growth e.g. hemorrhoids, enlarged prostate gland
4. To evacuate the rectum incase of impacted feces
Requirements
Tray with;
A receiver with gloves
A receiver with a proctoscope
Lubricant
Spatula
Mackintosh and small towel to place under the buttocks
Swabs in a galipot
Ant septic solution in a galipot
7. Rectal examination cont’d
Bed side
Screen
Bed pan toilet tissue
Apron
Procedure
Explain the procedure to the patient
Screen the bed and close near by windows
Ensure that the patients bladder is empty
Place a mackintosh and towel in position
Place the patient in left lateral position, the knees are flexed to
the chest and buttocks at the edge of the bed
Lubricate a gloved fore finger & gently insert it into the rectum
After examination discard the gloves in a receiver
Clean off the lubricant
Clear away and leave the patient comfortable
Wash hands
Report and record findings