AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which of the following terms means a prolapsed bladder causing a bulge in the anterior vaginal wall?

1. Cystocele

2. Hernia

3. Rectocele

4. Prolapse

The correct answer is: Cystocele

A cystocele specifically refers to the condition where the bladder has descended and bulges into the anterior wall of the vagina. This occurs when the supporting structures lose their strength, often due to factors such as childbirth, aging, or heavy lifting. The condition can lead to symptoms like urinary incontinence or pelvic pressure. While the term "hernia" generally describes a protrusion of an organ through the cavity wall that normally contains it, it does not specifically refer to bladder issues. A rectocele pertains to a bulge of the rectum into the posterior vaginal wall, making it distinct from a cystocele. "Prolapse" is a broader term that signifies a displacement of an organ and can refer to various types of organ descent, but it does not specify the bladder's involvement in the anterior vaginal wall, which is the key aspect of a cystocele. Therefore, the correct term relating to a prolapsed bladder leading to a bulge in the anterior vaginal wall is indeed cystocele.