The condition where the uterus turns inside out is called?

AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Uterine inversion is the precise medical term for the condition where the uterus turns inside out, either partially or completely.
This is a rare but life-threatening complication, most often occurring during the third stage of labor due to mismanagement, such as pulling on the umbilical cord before the placenta has fully separated from a relaxed uterus.
The provided image visually demonstrates this condition, showing the fundus (top part) of the uterus descending through the cervix and into the vagina.
It is classified into degrees based on how far the fundus has inverted, ranging from a dimple in the fundus to the entire uterus being outside the vulva.

Option B: Prolapse refers to the descent or 'slipping down' of the uterus into the vaginal canal. The uterus maintains its normal shape and does not turn inside out.
Option C: Anteversion is the normal anatomical position of the uterus, where it is tilted forward towards the bladder. It is not a pathological condition.
Option D: Retroversion describes a common anatomical variation where the uterus is tilted backward towards the rectum. It is not the same as turning inside out.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Terminology of Uterine Positions and Complications as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Uterine inversion is a critical obstetric emergency requiring immediate recognition and intervention to prevent severe hemorrhage, shock, and maternal death.
A nurse's primary role is to identify signs (sudden severe pain, a visible mass at the introitus, inability to palpate the fundus abdominally, and profound shock disproportionate to visible blood loss) and immediately call for help, start IV fluids, and prepare for manual replacement of the uterus.
What if? If the patient presented with a feeling of 'something coming down' but no acute pain or massive bleeding, the most likely diagnosis would be uterine prolapse, not inversion. This would be a less acute situation managed differently, often with pessaries or surgery on a non-emergent basis.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing medical terminology related to obstetrics.
First, analyze the key phrase in the stem: 'uterus turns inside out.'
Next, examine the provided image, which visually depicts the process of the uterus inverting, with the fundus descending through the cervix.
Evaluate each option based on its definition. 'Inversion' literally means to turn inward or upside down, which directly matches the description.
Consider the other terms: 'Prolapse' means to fall or slip down. 'Anteversion' and 'Retroversion' refer to the direction of tilt (forward/backward).
Based on the definition and the visual aid, select the term that precisely describes the action of the uterus turning inside out.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 1-3