You are performing a vaginal examination on a patient with a history of spina bifida. As you insert the metal speculum, the patient suddenly feels nauseated and is sweating, and her skin turns blotchy. What is your most immediate reaction to this situation?
A)Replace the metal speculum with a plastic one.
B)Put a blanket over the patient's legs.
C)Remove the speculum.
D)Take her blood pressure.
E)Raise her legs above her heart.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This patient is experiencing symptoms of autonomic hyperreflexia. The first reaction should be for the examiner to remove the source of the stimulation. Cold tables, stirrups, insertion of a speculum, and pressure during pelvic examinations are examples of stimulations.

You Are Performing a Vaginal Examination on a Patient with a History