The nurse is reviewing medical histories with several clients during a community health screening event. Which of the following client statements indicate a risk factor for cervical cancer? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_c9df_a2f9_b433_5b0e94d6e072_MD0009_00 Cervical cancer is a malignancy of the cervix (a portion of the uterus) that normally occurs near the meeting point of the vaginal and uterine epithelia (the transformation zone), located in the endocervical canal. Uterine epithelial cells in this area are rapidly and constantly replaced with squamous cells (ie, squamous metaplasia), a natural process that also increases the risk for abnormal cell changes and cancer. The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common, transient, and often asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be identified in almost all clients with cervical cancer (Option E). Most other risk factors are related to acquiring, clearing, or increasing the cancer-causing effects of HPV infection, including: Having multiple sexual partners (ie, >1 lifetime partner), which increases the chance of HPV exposure (Option A) Smoking tobacco, which is believed to promote cell mutation and increase the likelihood of HPV infection (Option B) Being infected with other STIs (eg, gonorrhea, chlamydia), which increases the likelihood of HPV infection (Option D) (Option C) Condoms help to prevent HPV transmission between partners, and not taking oral contraceptives is associated with a decreased risk for cervical cancer. Educational objective: Cervical cancer is a malignancy of the cervix associated with persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most other risk factors for cervical cancer relate to increasing risk for or ability to clear HPV infections, including multiple sexual partners, history of other sexually transmitted infections, and smoking.

The Nurse Is Reviewing Medical Histories with Several Clients During