Question

Mrs. McKnight is a 58-year-old patient who presents with a complaint of pelvic pain. Which finding on examination would make you concerned about a pelvic mass?

A. A cervix that is pale in color
B. A cervix deviating to the right
C. A cervix protruding 2.5 cm into the vagina
D. A cervix that is pointing anteriorly

Answer 1

A cervix pointing anteriorly is not typically concerning for a pelvic mass. Signs like an irregularly shaped or fixed uterus and palpable nodules are more indicative of such a mass. Professional interpretation of symptoms and physical findings are essential in diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Concerns about a pelvic mass would be heightened, particularly in a 58-year-old patient like Mrs. McKnight presenting with pelvic pain, if a physical examination revealed an irregularly shaped uterus, a fixed or immobile uterus, or palpable nodules in the adnexa. A cervix pointing anteriorly by itself is not a typical sign of a pelvic mass. Instead, the location and movement of the cervix provide insights into other conditions or normal anatomical variations.

It's important to consider the patient's full medical history and symptomatology when evaluating potential concerns. For instance, in cases like Marisa's, one would need to distinguish between abdominal pain arising from conditions unrelated to the reproductive system, such as appendicitis, a UTI, PID, or even aftereffects of a prior medical intervention for a spinal issue.

Healthcare professionals utilize the division of the abdominal cavity into regions or quadrants to localize symptoms and describe the position of a mass. This systematic approach can assist in diagnosing and differentiating potential causes for Mrs. McKnight's pelvic pain.