QuestionI am a senior nursing student and will be taking an OB/GYN class this semester. The complementary CD that came with our text is supposed to teach us how to do prenatal and labor exams, and key concepts. It is practically useless, and I have found this to be the rule with most of these CD's. However, last year I foud some really helpful videos on other types of exams. A major medical university had put them online and this really boosted my confidence and my grade. I haven't been as lucky in finding OB videos. I did find some that looked good (and affordable) by an author named Carolyn Jarvis, but for some reason they don't seem to be available anymore. Do you know of any good resources for this type of video?
AnswerDear Renae,
I completely understand your dilemma. Try doing it all 20 years ago! :-)
As far as prenatal exams, realistically nurses really don't do alot of "hands on" examining that is anything beyond what you have already learned - the basic, thorough H & P exam. You may also do a fundal measurement (measuring from notch above symphysis pubis to superior aspect of uterine fundus), but many doctors still do this themselves for continuity.
As for cervical exams during labor, there really is nothing you are going to pick up in a video to assist you with this as far as I am concerned. The very best tool that I personally know of is a rubber prop that is used that replicates cervical dilation and effacement. It is completely a matter of FEEL with this type of exam - partly because everyone's hand and finger size is different. If you have small hands and short fingers, you will have to stretch your fingers much wider for an 8 cm cervix than someone who has a larger hand with long fingers. Unfortunately, it's not a sound or method which can be duplicated on a video. Our school had the "demo cervix" available in many dilations/effacements and that made SO much difference for me. Otherwise, it is simply a matter of experience and actually (for many) getting over the mental hurdle. There are many nursing students who struggle with their OB rotation. They simply cannot get past the seemingly invasive nature of it. For others, it's as natural as can be. It's all in how you go into it. You must assess the medical process of labor, as well as the condition of the 2nd patient. With OB, you are always caring for at least two.
I do know there is a Lippincott's Maternity Nursing Video Series on Obstetrical Procedures but I do not know how costly the video is. If you search out "Carolyn Jarvis", I think you can find several avenues to get previous editions of her work via eBay, half.com, and/or Amazon.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question somewhat. I wish you well in your endeavors!
Brenda
