A 25-year-old single woman comes to the gynecologist's office for a follow-up visit related to her abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. The test revealed that the patient has human papillomavirus (HPV). The patient asks, "What is that? Can you get rid of it?" Your best response is:
Just a little lump on your cervix. We can freeze it off.
You probably caught this from your current boyfriend. He should get tested for this.
HPV is a type of early human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). You will die from this.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to cervical cancer. There is no known cure but symptoms are treatable.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is a misleading and dismissive response that does not explain what HPV is or how it can affect the patient's health. It also implies that the patient's condition is trivial and easily resolved, which is not true.
Choice B reason: This is a judgmental and accusatory response that does not answer the patient's question. It also assumes that the patient's current partner is the source of the infection, which may not be the case. HPV can remain dormant for years and be transmitted by previous partners.
Choice C reason: This is a false and alarming response that does not provide accurate information about HPV or HIV. It also scares the patient unnecessarily and does not offer any hope or support.
Choice D reason: This is the best response as it provides a clear and factual explanation of what HPV is and how it can affect the patient's health. It also acknowledges that there is no cure for the infection but that the symptoms can be managed with proper treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer, as it protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can infect the cervix and cause abnormal cell changes that may lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 26.
Choice B reason: The HPV vaccine will not protect you from all types of the virus, as there are more than 100 types of HPV, and the vaccine only covers 9 of them. However, these 9 types are responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers and 80% of anal cancers. The vaccine also does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.
Choice C reason: You will not need to have a booster vaccination each year, as the HPV vaccine is given in a series of 2 or 3 doses, depending on the age of the person. The vaccine provides long-lasting protection, and no additional doses are needed after completing the series.
Choice D reason: You will still need to get a routine cervical exam, as the HPV vaccine does not eliminate the risk of cervical cancer completely. The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV, and some people may already be infected with HPV before getting the vaccine. Therefore, regular screening with a Pap test and/or an HPV test is still recommended for women aged 21 to 65 to detect any abnormal cells or HPV infection in the cervix.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Gonorrhea is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex, but it does not have stages of symptoms or affect the heart, eyes, and brain. It can cause pain, discharge, and inflammation in the genitals, anus, or throat. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Choice B reason: Syphilis is correct because it is the infection described in the question. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex and by skin contact. It has stages of symptoms, such as sores, rashes, fever, and fatigue. If untreated, it can affect the heart, eyes, and brain, causing serious complications. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Choice C reason: Chlamydia is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex, but it does not have stages of symptoms or affect the heart, eyes, and brain. It often causes no symptoms, but it can cause pain, discharge, and bleeding in the genitals or rectum. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Choice D reason: Trichomoniasis is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is a parasitic infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex, but it does not have stages of symptoms or affect the heart, eyes, and brain. It can cause itching, burning, and odor in the genitals. It can be treated with antiparasitic drugs.

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