During a precollege physical examination, a student asks a nurse when a young woman should have a pelvic examination with a Papanicolaou (Pap)smear for the first time.Which response by the nurse is correct?
A)"Any woman who is sexually active needs a Pap smear annually and anytime a new sexual partner is acquired."
B)"Pap smears are recommended beginning with puberty."
C)"Decisions regarding the need for and frequency of PAP smears or other cancer screening procedures should be made after consultation between the patient and health-care provider."
D)"If there is no family history of endometrial cancer, a woman should not need a Pap smear until after the first child is born, or by age 25 if nulliparous."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women begin receiving Pap smears at age 21, regardless of whether or not they are sexually active. However, decisions regarding the need for and frequency of Pap smears or other cancer screening procedures should be made after consultation between the patient and healthcare provider. This allows for individualization of care based on risk factors and medical history. Option A is incorrect because Pap smears are not needed annually unless there are abnormalities or other risk factors present. Option B is incorrect because Pap smears are not recommended until age 21. Option D is incorrect because there is no evidence that a woman needs to have a child or be a certain age before receiving a Pap smear.

During a Precollege Physical Examination, a Student Asks a Nurse