Which examination technique is primarily used to assess the uterus and ovaries through manual palpation?

• A. External exam
• B. Wet prep
• C. Speculum exam
• D. Bimanual exam

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing the bimanual examination, which uses two hands to palpate the uterus and ovaries. One hand is placed inside the vagina to feel and gently guide the uterus and adnexa, while the other hand rests on the lower abdomen to press and compare. This coordination lets the clinician assess the uterus’s size, shape, position, and mobility, and to detect any ovarian masses or tenderness that aren’t accessible by external touch alone. It’s typically done after an external exam and a speculum examination, which visualize the cervix and vaginal walls but don’t allow internal palpation.

The other tests don’t fit because they either involve visualization or microscopic analysis rather than palpation of pelvic organs: an external exam surveys the abdomen and external genitalia; a wet prep analyzes vaginal discharge under a microscope; a speculum exam visualizes the cervix and vaginal canal.