In a college health course, the question arose as to when a woman need

In a college health course, the question arose as to when a woman needs to see her health care provider for a Pap smear. Which of the following would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?

a. “After you begin having intercourse or reach age 21, whichever is sooner”
b. “Before having sexual intercourse, when you go to obtain your birth control”
c. “If your periods change at all, go to see your health care provider.”
d. “If you have a vaginal discharge that’s unusual, go right in for a Pap smear.”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: A
Current guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening to begin approximately 3 years after a woman begins having vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age. So it will be important for the woman to have a Pap smear after beginning to have intercourse, or by the age of 21. It is not necessary to obtain a Pap smear before having sexual intercourse. A Pap smear may not be necessary for a change in periods or unusual vaginal discharge, these may be signs of other problems that will not be diagnosed through a Pap smear.