Uterus turned inside out is called

KGMU 2024

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: KGMU 2024

Explanation

The term 'inversion' literally means to turn inside out or upside down.
Acute inversion of the uterus specifically describes the obstetric emergency where the uterine fundus collapses into the endometrial cavity.
This condition typically occurs suddenly during or immediately after the third stage of labor.
It is a life-threatening complication primarily due to severe hemorrhage and neurogenic shock.

Option B: Cervical dystocia refers to difficult labor ('dystocia') caused by the failure of the cervix to dilate properly. It does not involve the uterus turning inside out.
Option C: Uterine rupture is a tear or breach of the uterine wall. While it is also a life-threatening obstetric emergency, the uterus is torn, not inverted.
Option D: Uterine prolapse is the descent or sagging of the uterus down into the vaginal canal. The uterus moves from its normal position but does not turn inside out.

Visual 1: Diagram - Illustrating the three degrees of uterine inversion, showing the progressive descent and inversion of the uterine fundus relative to the cervix and vagina. This helps clarify the difference between a dimple (1st degree), inversion into the vagina (2nd degree), and complete inversion outside the vulva (3rd degree).
Visual 2: Illustration - Comparing uterine inversion, uterine prolapse, and uterine rupture side-by-side to highlight the distinct anatomical differences between these three critical conditions.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Obstetric Emergencies: Uterine Inversion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Uterine inversion is a high-acuity, low-frequency event. Nurses must be able to recognize the signs (sudden hemorrhage, shock, a mass in the vagina or at the introitus, and inability to palpate the uterine fundus abdominally) and initiate an emergency response immediately.
A key nursing action is to anticipate and prepare for massive hemorrhage and shock. This includes ensuring large-bore IV access is available, notifying the blood bank, and preparing uterotonic medications and resuscitation equipment.
What if? If the placenta has already separated from the inverted uterus, the risk of catastrophic hemorrhage is even greater. The priority remains immediate manual replacement of the uterus, followed by aggressive administration of uterotonics (like oxytocin, methylergonovine, and carboprost) to achieve uterine contraction and control bleeding.

How to Approach the Question

This is a definition-based recall question.
First, break down the question stem: 'Uterus turned inside out'.
Analyze the options based on medical terminology.
The term 'inversion' directly translates to 'turning inside out'. 'Acute' signifies a sudden event, which is characteristic of this complication in obstetrics.
Evaluate the other options: 'Dystocia' means difficult labor, 'rupture' means a tear, and 'prolapse' means to fall or slip down. None of these accurately describe the uterus turning inside out.
Therefore, 'Acute inversion of the uterus' is the most precise and correct medical term for the condition described.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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