Use of a Uterine Sound
The Purpose of a Uterine Sound
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Insures that you can pass through the internal os
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Informs the direction and pathway through the os up to the fundus
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Measures the depth/distance from the external os to the fundus
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Is appropriate for IUD placement not <5.5 cm. 10 cm or more in some cases
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Tells you where to set the flange so you don't waste the IUD
Which one?
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Usually 4mm (occasionally 3mm)
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Metal sound - can be bent to mimic uterine flexion
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Plastic sound - may be less likely to perforate
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Endometrial sampler - thinner diameter
Hand Skills
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Avoid momentum
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Hold it like a pencil or dart
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Use Wrist action - not elbow; not shoulder
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Brace fingertips on speculum to achieve control of force while advancing the sound
Safety Tips
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Don’t push hard at internal os
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Do not force
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Slow progression through the internal os
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Once you have passed through the internal os, stop....and then, intentionally proceed to the fundus
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