The nurse providing care in a women's health care setting must be aware of which sexually transmitted infection that can be successfully treated and cured?

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.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Decreased production of erythrocytes (red blood cells) is a consequence, not a cause, of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin or red blood cells¹.

Choice B reason: This is correct. Inadequate intake of iron is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Pregnant women need more iron than nonpregnant women to support the increased blood volume and the fetal growth. If the dietary intake of iron is not sufficient, the body will use up its iron stores, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Dilution of hemoglobin concentration is a normal physiological change during pregnancy, not a cause of iron deficiency anemia. The blood volume increases by 20% to 30% during pregnancy, while the red blood cell mass increases by only 15% to 20%. This results in a lower concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, but not necessarily a lower amount of hemoglobin or iron³.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The fetus establishing iron stores is not a cause of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, although it can contribute to it. The fetus needs iron for its own development and growth, and it obtains iron from the mother through the placenta. The fetal iron demand increases in the second and third trimesters, when the fetus accumulates iron in its liver and other tissues. This can deplete the maternal iron stores, especially if the mother does not consume enough iron.