Nursing care of women with the disorders of the reproductive system

Gynecology

• “gyne” or “gynaikos” – woman or female• “logia” – study

• Study of the diseases of women

Gynecology of Infancy and Childhood

• Developmental defects• Anomalies and diseases of the reproductive

organs in females from infants to elderly• Preventive and therapeutic aspects– Preventive aspects is not only desirable but more

of necessity

Developmental Considerations

• Infants/Children– Anatomic consideration (size, shape, structure)– Immature reproductive organs – special

techniques– Possible emotional effect (Parental reaction plays

a role)– Patience, reassurance, avoid things that will cause

pain (Personal competencies)

Developmental Considerations

• Geriatric Patients– Menopause – stress– Physical changes

• Atrophy of reproductive tract• Vulva loses contour and tumescence• Labia shrinks• Vaginal mucosa becomes thinner and

smooth• Uterus gets thinner and firm• Ovaries – firm, small and atrophic• Breast loose fullness and reveals

atrophy

Developmental Considerations

– Subjective changes/symptoms• Menopausal Dyspareunia

– Thinning of the vaginal mucosa, dec. function of mucus secreting cervix and Bartholin’s glands (homologous to bulbourethral glands in males = secretion of mucus)

• Hot flushes – vasomotor phenomena limited to the upper part of the

thorax, head, and neck. Followed by redness and perspiration. – Controlled with the use of estrogen, sedatives or both.

Nursing Management

• History taking– Marital, sexual, obstetrical, surgical,

presenting illness

• Provision of privacy– Curtains, lock room

• Prevention of infection– Asepsis, use of sterile instruments in

exams

• Physical preparation –positioning and draping

Nursing Management

• Psychological preparationIssues:• Association of organs with femininity • Difficulty in accepting manipulation of these organs• Be sensitive to feelings of patient, better preparation• Confidentiality – only to health care team• Encourage pt. to answer completely and as frank as

possible to questions of doctors• Prepare for possible questions that she will be asked

Nursing Management

• Give patient the chance to think through her answers, less pressure, more accurate info• Explain procedures, tests to the patient• Personal competencies of the nurse will help in making

the patient at ease• Ventilation sessions – provide opportunity for the nurse

to correct misconceptions• Privacy

END