The Public Health Nurse receives a phone call from a 16-year-old ...

[WhattoUnderstand]

The Public Health Nurse receives a phone call from a 16-year-old girl who asks, Do I need to have a Pap smear just because I'm sexually active? What is the nurse's correct response?
 
  1. Yes, all sexually active females should be screened for both cervical cancer and HPV.
  2. No, you do not need to be screened for cervical cancer until you are 21 years old.
  3. Yes, all women under the age of 29 should be screened for both cervical cancer and HPV.
  4. No, but you will need to begin your screenings for both cervical cancer and HPV when you are 18 years old.

Question 2

A nurse is providing a patient with instructions regarding breast self-examination (BSE). Which of the following statements by the patient would indicate the likelihood that she understands how to detect changes such as lumps in her breast?
 
  1. I should perform BSE one week prior to the start of my period.
  2. When I reach menopause, I will perform BSE every two months.
  3. Knowing the texture and feel of my breasts is important.
  4. I should inspect my breasts in a circular manner.
  5. I should inspect my breasts while in a supine position, with my arms at my sides.

[kbennett34]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Engaging in sexual activity is not an indication for routine cervical cancer or for HPV screening.
Rationale 2: 2012 guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend initiating cervical cancer screening at age 21.
Rationale 3: 2012 guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend cervical cancer screening without HPV co-testing in women ages 21 to 29.
Rationale 4: 2012 guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend initiating cervical cancer screening at age 21.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3,4
Rationale 1: BSE should be performed one week after the start of each menstrual period because hormonal levels are lowest and allow closer exam of softer breast tissue.
Rationale 2: BSE should be performed monthly, on the same day each month, during menopause.
Rationale 3: A woman who knows the texture and feel of her own breasts is far more likely to detect changes that develop.
Rationale 4: Checking breasts in a circular manner, feeling all parts of the breast, provides adequate palpation and possible detection of lumps.
Rationale 5: The breasts should be inspected while standing with arms at sides.