Sterile Vag Exams: HELP!

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Feb 17, 2014

One tip I have is that the os is often very posterior, and if the cervix is very thin and/or stretchy, it can be difficult to find. If you can't locate the os, have the woman lay all the way back and maybe have her put her fists under her hip bones, or a rolled towel. It's definitely a skill that requires practice- you'll get better!

Janinern84 · Feb 17, 2014

Take your time and check a lot of people. Everyone has different anatomy. Remember back to your first manual Bp when you didn't hear the "thud" at first. You will get it, just keep practicing. Feel for the head and work around there.

NurseNora, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2014

Do lots of checks. Ask other nurses who have patients wth epidurals an intact membranes if you can check their patients. Look closely at the sagital section diagrams go women at different stages in labor and use them to try to picture what you're feeling. Have your preceptor check first, then as you check she may be able to describe what she felt and give you some guidance. Most important, be patient with yourself. It takes time and practice. You'll get it.

ladytraviler · Mar 3, 2014

Here is an inexpensive tool to help with learning. Go to the lumber yard. Ask for a 4 inch peice of pvc pipe, doesn't have to be but maybe 1-2 ft long. Invest in a large bag of water balloons. Clip the end off of the balloon, slide over end of pvc pipe, keep in place with a rubber band. The more you slide the balloon down, the thinner the "cervix" is. Stick under a pillow and see if can palpate. This helps cause you can find by feeling the opening but also the thin lip, move to one side or other and just play with it. If your facility has the cards for dilation, make one and take home with you, have some one else fix the ballon and you figure it out.