Author Question: A 44-year-old patient in the sexually transmitted infection clinic has a positive Venereal Disease ... (Read 78 times)

anjilletteb · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A 44-year-old patient in the sexually transmitted infection clinic has a positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test, but no chancre is visible on assessment. The nurse will plan to send specimens for

a. gram stain.
b. cytologic studies.
c. rapid plasma reagin (RPR) agglutination.
d. fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-Abs).

Question 2

The nurse is providing teaching by telephone to a patient who is scheduled for a pelvic examination and Pap test next week. The nurse instructs the patient that she should

a. shower, but not take a tub bath, before the examination.
b. not have sexual intercourse the day before the Pap test.
c. avoid douching for at least 24 hours before the examination.
d. schedule to have the Pap test just after her menstrual period.

meryzewe · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Because false positives are common with VDRL and RPR testing, FTA-Abs testing is recommended to confirm a diagnosis of syphilis. Gram staining is used for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia and cytologic studies are used to detect abnormal cells (such as neoplastic cells).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Because the results of a Pap test may be affected by douching, the patient should not douche before the examination. The exam may be scheduled without regard to the menstrual period. The patient may shower or bathe before the examination. Sexual intercourse does not affect the results of the examination or Pap test.