Question

3. Carly comes to the office today for a prenatal checkup. She states that she has been experiencing some pelvic pain and burning on urination for 5 days. She also has recently stopped taking her prenatal vitamins, which she says make her nauseated. This is her first pregnancy, and she is very nervous about the examination. How can Betsy, the medical assistant, calm her fears? What test results and information should be gathered before the provider's examination? What patient education might be helpful? After Betsy has finished measuring the necessary vital signs and gathering the laboratory specimens, how should Carly be gowned and draped? When the provider begins the internal examina- tion, how should she be positioned?​

Answer 1

To calm Carly's fears, Betsy can explain the purpose of the prenatal checkup and the importance of monitoring her health and the health of her baby during pregnancy. She can also describe what will happen during the examination and answer any questions Carly may have. Before the provider's examination, Betsy should gather information about Carly's medical history, including any medications she is taking, any allergies she has, and any previous pregnancies or deliveries. She should also obtain a urine sample to test for a possible urinary tract infection, which could be causing the pelvic pain and burning on urination. Patient education that may be helpful includes information on the importance of taking prenatal vitamins, ways to manage nausea during pregnancy, and strategies for coping with anxiety or stress related to pregnancy. After Betsy has finished measuring vital signs and gathering laboratory specimens, Carly should be gowned and draped in a way that provides privacy and comfort. During the internal examination, Carly should be positioned comfortably on the exam table with her feet in stirrups and her knees bent. The provider will use a speculum to visualize the cervix and may perform a pelvic exam to check for any signs of infection or other issues.