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A nurse probably CAN perform a physical exam, mostly as a 'nursing assessment' in the hospital, medical clinic, doctor's office.
HOWEVER, in particular situations, nurses train to do routine health exams. They would then report abnormal findings to a physician (same as with a nursing assessment). As examples:
- "Well Baby Clinic" - A well-baby check charts normal growth and development. But, say if a baby was much lower on her height and weight percentile, the nurse would notify the doctor.
- Insurance exams - The 'customer' looking for insurance may need a health exam. Insurance companies use nurses trained to do exams and bloodwork to 'assess' and chart the findings. She also would act on abnormalities, such as if she found a patient's blood pressure to be 200/120--- she can't simply write down a severe issue and not act.
NOTE: The requirements are different for a physical exam performed by a nurse and by a doctor. A nurse always reports to a Clinical Supervisor (a higher nurse) and to a physician (M.D. or D.O.).
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoYes, a nurse can do a pelvic exam.
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What happens during a prenatal visit to a doctor or certified nurse midwife?
During the doctor visit, the female will have a complete physicalthat includes blood tests and a pelvic exam.
Is a pelvic exam a pap smear?
No, but a pap smear is usually part of a pelvic exam. In a pap smear, cells are scraped from your cervix. In a pelvic exam, the doctor inserts her fingers into your vagina and feels your reproductive organs.
Could the doctor do only a bi-manual exam and no pelvic exam and tell if you are pregnant?
A bi-manual exam IS a pelvic exam and there is no reason for a doctor to do one just to check if you are pregnant. An ultrasound will show far more than a pelvic esam ever could.
Can a doctor tell you are pregnant by a pelvic exam as early as 5 weeks?
There is no point in doing a pelvic exam at 5 weeks. A sonogram will show if you are pregnant.
What is an abnormal pelvic exam?
your doctor might recommend a pelvic exam if you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain. Your doctor checks your vulv, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any abnormalities. A Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, is often performed during a pelvic exam.
What causes a pelvic exam to hurt on left side of pelvic area?
Could be an ovarian cyst.
Are there any precautions for a pelvic exam?
Pelvic examinations are safe procedures, thus no precautions are necessary.
What are the risks associated with a pelvic exam?
Other than minor discomfort, there are no risks associated with a routine pelvic examination.
Which position should a patient assume for a pelvic exam?
For a pelvic exam, the patient typically lies on their back with their feet in stirrups for ease of access by the healthcare provider. They may be asked to bend their knees and relax their legs in the stirrups during the exam.
What is the name of the position used for a pelvic exam?
That position is called as 'Lithotomy position'.
Is it OK to be naked for a pelvic exam?
No. Any professional physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner would require a gown (even if it's a skimpy medical gown). This attire is considered the minimum, in the medical field, in order that proper boundaries are maintained. After all, a pelvic exam is a medical procedure. (Even though the patient might feel perfectly comfortable while naked, the medical provider must still follow the regulations of his/her profession.)
Can you take a test to see whether or not your a virgin?
A doctor can tell by doing a pelvic exam.
