In a college health course, the question arose as to when a woman needs to see her health care provider for a Pap smear. Which of the following would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Current guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening to begin approximately 3 years after a woman begins having vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age. So it will be important for the woman to have a Pap smear after beginning to have intercourse, or by the age of 21. It is not necessary to obtain a Pap smear before having sexual intercourse. A Pap smear may not be necessary for a change in periods or unusual vaginal discharge, these may be signs of other problems that will not be diagnosed through a Pap smear.

In a College Health Course, the Question Arose as to When