A postmenopausal woman with uterine prolapse is being fitted with a pessary. The nurse would be most alert for which side effect?

Choice A: Fecal incontinence is not the correct answer because it is not a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Fecal incontinence is a condition that causes the loss of bowel control, resulting in involuntary leakage of stool or gas. It can be caused by various factors such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, or diarrhea. It is not related to the displacement or descent of pelvic organs.

Choice B: Rectocele is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Rectocele is a condition that occurs when the rectum bulges or sags into the vagina, creating a pouch or hernia. It can cause symptoms such as constipation, difficulty with bowel movements, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina. It is caused by the weakening or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue that support the rectum and vagina.

Choice C: Urinary incontinence is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Urinary incontinence is a condition that causes the loss of bladder control, resulting in involuntary leakage of urine or urge to urinate. It can be caused by various factors such as stress, infection, or medication. It is also related to the displacement or descent of pelvic organs, such as the bladder or urethra, which can affect the function and closure of the urinary sphincter.

Choice D: Cystocele is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Cystocele is a condition that occurs when the bladder protrudes or drops into the vagina, creating a pouch or hernia. It can cause symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, or retention, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina. It is caused by the weakening or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue that support the bladder and vagina.

Choice E: Enterocele is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Enterocele is a condition that occurs when the small intestine bulges or descends into the vagina, creating a pouch or hernia. It can cause symptoms such as lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements. It is caused by the weakening or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue that support the small intestine and vagina.

Choice A: Vaginal pH of 3 is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the vaginal environment is. A normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, which helps prevent infections by maintaining a balance of healthy bacteria (lactobacilli). Bacterial vaginosis can cause an increase in vaginal pH above 4.5, which allows harmful bacteria (anaerobes) to grow and cause symptoms.

Choice B: Cervical bleeding on contact is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Cervical bleeding on contact is a sign of inflammation or injury to the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It can be caused by various factors such as infection, trauma, or cancer. Bacterial vaginosis does not affect the cervix directly, but it can increase the risk of other infections or complications that may cause cervical bleeding.

Choice C: Fishy odor of discharge is the correct answer because it is a finding of bacterial vaginosis. The fishy odor of discharge is a characteristic symptom of bacterial vaginosis that occurs due to the breakdown of organic compounds (amines) by the anaerobic bacteria. The odor is usually more noticeable after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.

Choice D: Yellowish-green discharge is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Yellowish-green discharge is a sign of infection or inflammation of the vagina or cervix, such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. These infections can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain in the genital area. Bacterial vaginosis usually causes a thin, gray-white, or milky discharge that does not cause irritation or discomfort.