Hello Everyone, here is a women’s health lecture on PID made easy to understand to help aide in your study sessions. I have gathered all of the important information from my Med- Surg Book (Brunners and Suddarth 12th edition) that will prepare you for your nursing test whether it is for school or NCLEX.
Here are some Extra information that may help and guide you…
Pathophysiology:
The exact pathogenesis of PID has not been determined,
but it is presumed that organisms usually enter the body
through the vagina, pass through the cervical canal, colonize
the endocervix, and move upward into the uterus. Under
various conditions, the organisms may proceed to one or
both fallopian tubes and ovaries and into the pelvis. In bacterial
infections that occur after childbirth or abortion,
pathogens are disseminated directly through the tissues that
support the uterus by way of the lymphatics and blood vessels.
In pregnancy, the increased blood supply required
by the placenta provides more pathways for infection.
These postpartum and postabortion infections tend to
be unilateral. Infections can cause perihepatic inflammation
when the organism invades the peritoneum.
In gonorrheal infections, the gonococci pass through the
cervical canal and into the uterus, where the environment,
especially during menstruation, allows them to multiply
rapidly and spread to the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis. The infection is usually bilateral. In rare instances, organisms (eg, tuberculosis) gain access to the reproductive organs by way of the bloodstream from the lungs. One of the most common causes
of salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tube) is chlamydia, possibly accompanied by gonorrhea. Pelvic infection is most commonly caused by sexual transmission but can also occur with invasive procedures such as endometrial biopsy, surgical abortion, hysteroscopy, or insertion of an intrauterine device. Bacterial vaginosis, a vaginal infection, may predispose women to pelvic infection. Risk factors include early age at first intercourse, multiple
sexual partners, frequent intercourse, intercourse without
condoms, sex with a partner with an STD, and a history
of STDs or previous pelvic infection.
PID Home Self-care Checklist:
• State that any pelvic pain or abnormal discharge, particularly after sexual exposure,
childbirth, or pelvic surgery, should be evaluated as soon as possible.
• State that antibiotics may be prescribed after insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Describe proper perineal care procedures (wiping from front to back after defecation or urination).
• State that douching reduces the natural flora that combat infecting organisms and may
introduce bacteria upward.
• Identify the importance of consulting a health care provider if unusual vaginal discharge or odor
is noted.
• Discuss the importance of following health practices (ie, proper nutrition, exercise, and weight control),
and safer sex practices (ie, using condoms, avoiding multiple sexual partners).
• Explain the importance of consistent use of condoms before intercourse or any penile–vaginal
contact if there is any chance of transmitting infection.
• State that a gynecologic examination should be performed at least once a year.