A 68-Year-Old Patient Is Being Seen in the Geriatric Clinic

A 68-year-old patient is being seen in the geriatric clinic for her annual physical examination.The nurse practitioner states that she is going to do a pelvic examination and Pap smear.The patient asks the nurse,"Since my husband died,I am no longer sexually active.I don't think I need a pelvic exam anymore.What do you think?" The nurse bases her response on the knowledge that:

A) Pelvic examinations and Pap smears are not necessary in individuals older than age 65 who are no longer sexually active.
B) Pelvic examinations and Pap smears are only done in individuals older than age 65 who have specific gynecological complaints.
C) Pelvic examinations and Pap smears are performed annually until age 70.After age 70,they are no longer necessary if three or more consecutive examinations were negative in the previous 10 years.
D) Pelvic examinations and Pap smears are performed annually in all females,regardless of age.