A Patient Calls the Clinic for Instructions Before Having a Papanicolaou

A patient calls the clinic for instructions before having a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "If you are menstruating, please use pads to avoid placing anything into the vagina."
B) "Avoid intercourse, inserting anything into the vagina, or douching within 24 hours of your appointment."
C) "We would like you to use a mild saline douche before your examination. You may pick this up in our office."
D) "If you suspect that you have a vaginal infection, please gather a sample of the discharge to bring with you."