The nurse is counseling a woman who has multiple sexual partners and h

The nurse is counseling a woman who has multiple sexual partners and has recently been diag-nosed with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The importance of regularly scheduled Pap smears is discussed primarily because:

1. This woman has a high risk for cervical cancer
2. Her sexual practices also put her at risk for HIV
3. This woman’s age puts her at risk for uterine cancer
4. Regular screening results in improved client outcomes

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Researchers estimate that 80% to 90% of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection. It is true that regular screenings do improve client outcomes; the purpose of the Pap smear is directly related to cervical cancer. HPV does not increase the risk of uterine cancer nor would it be de-tected by a Pap smear. While having multiple sexual partners does increase the risk of contracting HIV, it would not be diagnosed with a Pap smear.