Nursing Assessment Chapter 26: Female Genitourinary NCLEX

When performing an external genitalia examination of a 10-year-old girl, the nurse notices that no pubic hair has grown in and the mons and the labia are covered with fine vellus hair. These findings are consistent with stage _____ of sexual maturity, according to the Sexual Maturity Rating scale. a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

a. 1 Sexual Maturity Rating stage 1 is the preadolescent stage. There is no pubic hair, and the mons and labia are covered with fine, vellus hair as on the abdomen (see Table 26-1).

The uterus is usually positioned tilting forward and superior to the bladder. This position is known as: a. Anteverted and anteflexed. b. Retroverted and anteflexed. c. Retroverted and retroflexed. d. Superiorverted and anteflexed.

a. Anteverted and anteflexed.

During a vaginal examination of a 38-year-old woman, the nurse notices that the vulva and vagina are erythematous and edematous with thick, white, curdlike discharge adhering to the vaginal walls. The woman reports intense pruritus and thick white discharge from her vagina. The nurse knows that these history and physical examination findings are most consistent with which condition? a. Candidiasis b. Trichomoniasis c. Atrophic vaginitis d. Bacterial vaginosis

a. Candidiasis The woman with candidiasis often reports intense pruritus and thick white discharge. The vulva and vagina are erythematous and edematous. The discharge is usually thick, white, and curdlike. Infection with trichomoniasis causes a profuse, watery, gray-green, and frothy discharge. Bacterial vaginosis causes a profuse discharge that has a foul, fishy, rotten odor. Atrophic vaginitis may have a mucoid discharge. (See Table 26-5 for complete descriptions of each option.)

During a speculum inspection of the vagina, the nurse would expect to see what at the end of the vaginal canal? a. Cervix b. Uterus c. Ovaries d. Fallopian tubes

a. Cervix

During an examination, which tests will the nurse collect to screen for cervical cancer? a. Endocervical specimen, cervical scrape, and vaginal pool b. Endocervical specimen, vaginal pool, and acetic acid wash c. Endocervical specimen, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, and acetic acid wash d. Cervical scrape, acetic acid wash, saline mount (wet prep)

a. Endocervical specimen, cervical scrape, and vaginal pool Laboratories may vary in method, but usually the test consists of three specimens: endocervical specimen, cervical scrape, and vaginal pool. The other tests (acetic acid wash, KOH preparation, and saline mount) are used to test for sexually transmitted infections.

A woman is in the clinic for an annual gynecologic examination. The nurse should plan to begin the interview with the: a. Menstrual history, because it is generally nonthreatening. b. Obstetric history, because it includes the most important information. c. Urinary system history, because problems may develop in this area as well. d. Sexual history, because discussing it first will build rapport.

a. Menstrual history, because it is generally nonthreatening.

The nurse is preparing to interview a postmenopausal woman. Which of these statements is true as it applies to obtaining the health history of a postmenopausal woman? a. The nurse should ask a postmenopausal woman if she has ever had vaginal bleeding. b. Once a woman reaches menopause, the nurse does not need to ask any history questions. c. The nurse should screen for monthly breast tenderness. d. Postmenopausal women are not at risk for contracting STIs; therefore, these questions can be omitted.

a. The nurse should ask a postmenopausal woman if she has ever had vaginal bleeding. Postmenopausal bleeding warrants further workup and referral. The other statements are not true.

When assessing a newborn infants genitalia, the nurse notices that the genitalia are somewhat engorged. The labia majora are swollen, the clitoris looks large, and the hymen is thick. The vaginal opening is difficult to visualize. The infants mother states that she is worried about the labia being swollen. The nurse should reply: a. This is a normal finding in newborns and should resolve within a few weeks. b. This finding could indicate an abnormality and may need to be evaluated by a physician. c. We will need to have estrogen levels evaluated to ensure that they are within normal limits. d. We will need to keep close watch over the next few days to see if the genitalia decrease in size.

a. This is a normal finding in newborns and should resolve within a few weeks. It is normal for a newborns genitalia to be somewhat engorged. A sanguineous vaginal discharge or leukorrhea is normal during the first few weeks because of the maternal estrogen effect. During the early weeks, the genital engorgement resolves, and the labia minora atrophy and remain small until puberty.

During an examination, the nurse observes a female patients vestibule and expects to see the: a. Urethral meatus and vaginal orifice. b. Vaginal orifice and vestibular (Bartholin) glands. c. Urethral meatus and paraurethral (Skene) glands. d. Paraurethral (Skene) and vestibular (Bartholin) glands.

a. Urethral meatus and vaginal orifice.

An 11-year-old girl is in the clinic for a sports physical examination. The nurse notices that she has begun to develop breasts, and during the conversation the girl reveals that she is worried about her development. The nurse should use which of these techniques to best assist the young girl in understanding the expected sequence for development? The nurse should: a. Use the Tanner scale on the five stages of sexual development. b. Describe her development and compare it with that of other girls her age. c. Use the Jacobsen table on expected development on the basis of height and weight data. d. Reassure her that her development is within normal limits and tell her not to worry about the next step.

a. Use the Tanner scale on the five stages of sexual development.

The nurse is reviewing the changes that occur with menopause. Which changes are associated with menopause? a. Uterine and ovarian atrophy, along with a thinning of the vaginal epithelium b. Ovarian atrophy, increased vaginal secretions, and increasing clitoral size c. Cervical hypertrophy, ovarian atrophy, and increased acidity of vaginal secretions d. Vaginal mucosa fragility, increased acidity of vaginal secretions, and uterine hypertrophy

a. Uterine and ovarian atrophy, along with a thinning of the vaginal epithelium

A patient calls the clinic for instructions before having a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. The most appropriate instructions from the nurse are: a. If you are menstruating, please use pads to avoid placing anything into the vagina. b. Avoid intercourse, inserting anything into the vagina, or douching within 24 hours of your appointment. c. If you suspect that you have a vaginal infection, please gather a sample of the discharge to bring with you. d. We would like you to use a mild saline douche before your examination. You may pick this up in our office.

b. Avoid intercourse, inserting anything into the vagina, or douching within 24 hours of your appointment. When instructing a patient before Pap smear is obtained, the nurse should follow these guidelines: Do not obtain during the womans menses or if a heavy infectious discharge is present. Instruct the woman not to douche, have intercourse, or put anything into the vagina within 24 hours before collecting the specimens. Any specimens will be obtained during the visit, not beforehand.

Vaginal lubrication during intercourse is produced by: a. Skene glands. b. Bartholin glands. c. sebaceous glands. d. adrenal glands.

b. Bartholin glands. The vestibular (Bartholin) glands secrete a clear lubricating mucus during intercourse. Paraurethral (Skene) glands are tiny, multiple glands that surround the urethral meatus. Sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate the skin and hair. The adrenal glands are endocrine glands responsible for releasing hormones in conjunction with stress through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamines.

A woman has just been diagnosed with HPV or genital warts. The nurse should counsel her to receive regular examinations because this virus makes her at a higher risk for _______ cancer. a. Uterine b. Cervical c. Ovarian d. Endometrial

b. Cervical HPV is the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, not the other options.

A nurse is assessing a patients risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). An appropriate question to ask would be: a. You know that its important to use condoms for protection, right? b. Do you use a condom with each episode of sexual intercourse? c. Do you have a sexually transmitted infection? d. You are aware of the dangers of unprotected sex, arent you?

b. Do you use a condom with each episode of sexual intercourse? In reviewing a patients risk for STIs, the nurse should ask in a nonconfrontational manner whether condoms are being used during each episode of sexual intercourse. Asking a person whether he or she has an infection does not address the risk.

During the examination portion of a patients visit, she will be in lithotomy position. Which statement reflects some things that the nurse can do to make this position more comfortable for her? a. Ask her to place her hands and arms over her head. b. Elevate her head and shoulders to maintain eye contact. c. Allow her to choose to have her feet in the stirrups or have them resting side by side on the edge of the table. d. Allow her to keep her buttocks approximately 6 inches from the edge of the table to prevent her from feeling as if she will fall off.

b. Elevate her head and shoulders to maintain eye contact. The nurse should elevate her head and shoulders to maintain eye contact. The patients arms should be placed at her sides or across the chest. Placing her hands and arms over her head only tightens the abdominal muscles. The feet should be placed into the stirrups, knees apart, and buttocks at the edge of the examining table. The stirrups are placed so that the legs are not abducted too far.

A married couple has come to the clinic seeking advice on pregnancy. They have been trying to conceive for 4 months and have not been successful. What should the nurse do first? a. Ascertain whether either of them has been using broad-spectrum antibiotics. b. Explain that couples are considered infertile after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. c. Immediately refer the woman to an expert in pelvic inflammatory diseasethe most common cause of infertility. d. Explain that couples are considered infertile after 3 months of engaging in unprotected intercourse and that they will need a referral to a fertility expert.

b. Explain that couples are considered infertile after 1 year of unprotected intercourse.

When the nurse is discussing sexuality and sexual issues with an adolescent, a permission statement helps convey that it is normal to think or feel a certain way. Which statement is the best example of a permission statement? a. It is okay that you have become sexually active. b. Girls your age often have questions about sexual activity. Do you have any questions? c. If it is okay with you, Id like to ask you some questions about your sexual history. d. Girls your age often engage in sexual activities. It is okay to tell me if you have had intercourse.

b. Girls your age often have questions about sexual activity. Do you have any questions? The examiner should start with a permission statement such as, Girls your age often experience A permission statement conveys the idea that it is normal to think or feel a certain way, and implying that the topic is normal and unexceptional is important.

The nurse is palpating a female patients adnexa. The findings include a firm, smooth uterine wall; the ovaries are palpable and feel smooth and firm. The fallopian tube is firm and pulsating. The nurses most appropriate course of action would be to: a. Tell the patient that her examination is normal. b. Give her an immediate referral to a gynecologist. c. Suggest that she return in a month for a recheck to verify the findings. d. Tell the patient that she may have an ovarian cyst that should be evaluated further.

b. Give her an immediate referral to a gynecologist. Normally, the uterine wall feels firm and smooth, with the contour of the fundus rounded. Ovaries are not often palpable, but when they are, they normally feel smooth, firm, and almond shaped and are highly movable, sliding through the fingers. The fallopian tube is not normally palpable. No other mass or pulsation should be felt. Pulsation or palpable fallopian tube suggests ectopic pregnancy, which warrants immediate referral.

A 50-year-old woman calls the clinic because she has noticed some changes in her body and breasts and wonders if these changes could be attributable to the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) she started 3 months earlier. The nurse should tell her: a. HRT is at such a low dose that side effects are very unusual. b. HRT has several side effects, including fluid retention, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding. c. Vaginal bleeding with HRT is very unusual; I suggest you come into the clinic immediately to have this evaluated. d. It sounds as if your dose of estrogen is too high; I think you may need to decrease the amount you are taking and then call back in a week.

b. HRT has several side effects, including fluid retention, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding.

The nurse is preparing to examine the external genitalia of a school-age girl. Which position would be most appropriate in this situation? a. In the parents lap b. In a frog-leg position on the examining table c. In the lithotomy position with the feet in stirrups d. Lying flat on the examining table with legs extended

b. In a frog-leg position on the examining table For school-age children, placing them on the examining table in a frog-leg position is best. With toddlers and preschoolers, having the child on the parents lap in a frog-leg position is best.

Multiple Response The nurse is palpating an ovarian mass during an internal examination of a 63-year-old woman. Which findings of the masss characteristics would suggest the presence of an ovarian cyst? Select all that apply. a. Heavy and solid b. Mobile and fluctuant c. Mobile and solid d. Fixed e. Smooth and round f. Poorly defined

b. Mobile and fluctuant e. Smooth and round An ovarian cyst (fluctuant ovarian mass) is usually asymptomatic and would feel like a smooth, round, fluctuant, mobile, nontender mass on the ovary. A mass that is heavy, solid, fixed, and poorly defined suggests malignancy. A benign mass may feel mobile and solid.

The nurse has just completed an inspection of a nulliparous womans external genitalia. Which of these would be a description of a finding within normal limits? a. Redness of the labia majora b. Multiple nontender sebaceous cysts c. Discharge that is foul smelling and irritating d. Gaping and slightly shriveled labia majora

b. Multiple nontender sebaceous cysts No lesions should be noted, except for the occasional sebaceous cysts, which are yellowish 1-cm nodules that are firm, nontender, and often multiple. The labia majora are dark pink, moist, and symmetric; redness indicates inflammation or lesions. Discharge that is foul smelling and irritating may indicate infection. In the nulliparous woman, the labia majora meet in the midline, are symmetric and plump.

A 54-year-old woman who has just completed menopause is in the clinic today for a yearly physical examination. Which of these statements should the nurse include in patient education? A postmenopausal woman: a. Is not at any greater risk for heart disease than a younger woman. b. Should be aware that she is at increased risk for dyspareunia because of decreased vaginal secretions. c. Has only stopped menstruating; there really are no other significant changes with which she should be concerned. d. Is likely to have difficulty with sexual pleasure as a result of drastic changes in the female sexual response cycle.

b. Should be aware that she is at increased risk for dyspareunia because of decreased vaginal secretions.

During an examination, the nurse would expect the cervical os of a woman who has never had children to appear: a. Stellate. b. Small and round. c. As a horizontal irregular slit. d. Everted.

b. Small and round. The cervical os in a nulliparous woman is small and round. In the parous woman, it is a horizontal, irregular slit that also may show healed lacerations on the sides (see Figure 26-13).

A 52-year-old patient states that when she sneezes or coughs she wets herself a little. She is very concerned that something may be wrong with her. The nurse suspects that the problem is: a. Dysuria. b. Stress incontinence. c. Hematuria. d. Urge incontinence.

b. Stress incontinence.

During an internal examination, the nurse notices that the cervix bulges outside the introitus when the patient is asked to strain. The nurse will document this as: a. Uterine prolapse, graded first degree. b. Uterine prolapse, graded second degree. c. Uterine prolapse, graded third degree. d. A normal finding.

b. Uterine prolapse, graded second degree. The cervix should not be found to bulge into the vagina. Uterine prolapse is graded as follows: first degreethe cervix appears at the introitus with straining; second degreethe cervix bulges outside the introitus with straining; and third degreethe whole uterus protrudes, even without straining (essentially, the uterus is inside out).

Hematuria is a term used for: a. bloody discharge. b. blood in the urine. c. bleeding after intercourse. d. urine in the blood.

b. blood in the urine. Hematuria is the term used to describe blood in the urine.

Cessation of menses is known as: a. menarche. b. menopause. c. salpingitis. d. adnexa.

b. menopause. Menopause is the cessation of menses. Menarche is the age of the first period. Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tube. The adnexa of uterus (or uterine appendages) refers to the structures most closely related structurally and functionally to the uterus; these structures include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments.

A caruncle is a(n): a. vestibular gland located on either side of the vaginal orifice. b. small, red mass protruding from the urethral meatus. c. aberrant growth of endometrial tissue. d. hard, painless nodule in the uterine wall.

b. small, red mass protruding from the urethral meatus. A caruncle is a small, deep red mass protruding from the urinary meatus. Bartholin glands are vestibular glands located on either side of and posterior to the vaginal orifice. Endometriosis is a disorder caused by aberrant growths of endometrial tissue scattered throughout the pelvis. Myomas (leiomyomas or uterine fibroids) is a disorder in which the uterus is irregularly enlarged, firm, mobile, and nodular with hard, painless nodules in the uterine wall.

Adnexa is (are): a. an absence of menstruation. b. uterine accessory organs. c. a membranous fold of tissue partly closing the vaginal orifice. d. painful intercourse.

b. uterine accessory organs. The adnexa of uterus (or uterine appendages) refers to the structures most closely related structurally and functionally to the uterus; these structures include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments. Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. The hymen is a thin, circular or crescent-shaped fold that may cover part of the vaginal orifice or may be absent completely. Dyspareunia is the term to describe painful intercourse.

A patient has had three pregnancies and two live births. The nurse would record this information as grav _____, para _____, AB _____. a. 2; 2; 1 b. 3; 2; 0 c. 3; 2; 1 d. 3; 3; 1

c. 3; 2; 1

Generally, the changes normally associated with menopause occur because the cells in the reproductive tract are: a. Aging. b. Becoming fibrous. c. Estrogen dependent. d. Able to respond to estrogen.

c. Estrogen dependent.

During an external genitalia examination of a woman, the nurse notices several lesions around the vulva. The lesions are pink, moist, soft, and pointed papules. The patient states that she is not aware of any problems in that area. The nurse recognizes that these lesions may be: a. Syphilitic chancre. b. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (herpes genitalis). c. HPV or genital warts. d. Pediculosis pubis (crab lice).

c. HPV or genital warts. HPV lesions are painless, warty growths that the woman may not notice. Lesions are pink or flesh colored, soft, pointed, moist, warty papules that occur in single or multiple cauliflower-like patches around the vulva, introitus, anus, vagina, or cervix. Herpetic lesions are painful clusters of small, shallow vesicles with surrounding erythema. Syphilitic chancres begin as a solitary silvery papule that erodes into a red, round or oval superficial ulcer with a yellowish discharge. Pediculosis pubis causes severe perineal itching and excoriations and erythematous areas (see Table 26-2).

During the interview with a female patient, the nurse gathers data that indicate the patient is perimenopausal. Which of these statements made by this patient leads to this conclusion? a. I have noticed that my muscles ache at night when I go to bed. b. I will be very happy when I can stop worrying about having a period. c. I have been noticing that I sweat a lot more than I used to, especially at night. d. I have only been pregnant twice, but both times I had breast tenderness as my first symptom.

c. I have been noticing that I sweat a lot more than I used to, especially at night.

During the interview, a patient reveals that she has some vaginal discharge. She is worried that it may be a sexually transmitted infection. The nurses most appropriate response to this would be: a. Oh, dont worry. Some cyclic vaginal discharge is normal. b. Have you been engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse? c. I'd like some information about the discharge. What color is it? d. Have you had any urinary incontinence associated with the discharge?

c. I'd like some information about the discharge. What color is it?

During a bimanual examination, the nurse detects a solid tumor on the ovary that is heavy and fixed, with a poorly defined mass. This finding is suggestive of: a. Ovarian cyst. b. Endometriosis. c. Ovarian cancer. d. Ectopic pregnancy.

c. Ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumors that are solid, heavy, and fixed, with poorly defined mass are suggestive of malignancy. Benign masses may feel mobile and solid. An ovarian cyst may feel smooth, round, fluctuant, mobile, and nontender. With an ectopic pregnancy, the examiner may feel a palpable, tender pelvic mass that is solid, mobile, and unilateral. Endometriosis may have masses (in various locations in the pelvic area) that are small, firm, nodular, and tender to palpation, with enlarged ovaries.

An 18-year-old patient is having her first pelvic examination. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? a. Inviting her mother to be present during the examination b. Avoiding the lithotomy position for this first time because it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing c. Raising the head of the examination table and giving her a mirror so that she can view the examination d. Fully draping her, leaving the drape between her legs elevated to avoid embarrassing her with eye contact

c. Raising the head of the examination table and giving her a mirror so that she can view the examination The techniques of the educational or mirror pelvic examination should be used. This is a routine examination with some modifications in attitude, position, and communication. First, the woman is considered an active participant, one who is interested in learning and in sharing decisions about her own health care. The woman props herself up on one elbow, or the head of the table is raised. Her other hand holds a mirror between her legs, above the examiners hands. The young woman can see all that the examiner is doing and has a full view of her genitalia. The mirror works well for teaching normal anatomy and its relationship to sexual behavior. The examiner can ask her if she would like to have a family member, friend, or chaperone present for the examination. The drape should be pushed down between the patients legs so that the nurse can see her face.

The nurse is preparing for an internal genitalia examination of a woman. Which order of the examination is correct? a. Bimanual, speculum, and rectovaginal b. Speculum, rectovaginal, and bimanual c. Speculum, bimanual, and rectovaginal d. Rectovaginal, bimanual, and speculum

c. Speculum, bimanual, and rectovaginal The correct sequence is speculum examination, then bimanual examination after removing the speculum, and then rectovaginal examination. The examiner should change gloves before performing the rectovaginal examination to avoid spreading any possible infection.

The nurse is examining a 35-year-old female patient. During the health history, the nurse notices that she has had two term pregnancies, and both babies were delivered vaginally. During the internal examination, the nurse observes that the cervical os is a horizontal slit with some healed lacerations and that the cervix has some nabothian cysts that are small, smooth, and yellow. In addition, the nurse notices that the cervical surface is granular and red, especially around the os. Finally, the nurse notices the presence of stringy, opaque, odorless secretions. Which of these findings are abnormal? a. Nabothian cysts are present. b. The cervical os is a horizontal slit. c. The cervical surface is granular and red. d. Stringy and opaque secretions are present.

c. The cervical surface is granular and red. Normal findings: Nabothian cysts may be present on the cervix after childbirth. The cervical os is a horizontal, irregular slit in the parous woman. Secretions vary according to the day of the menstrual cycle, and may be clear and thin or thick, opaque, and stringy. The surface is normally smooth, but cervical eversion, or ectropion, may occur where the endocervical canal is rolled out. Abnormal finding: The cervical surface should not be reddened or granular, which may indicate a lesion.

When performing the bimanual examination, the nurse notices that the cervix feels smooth and firm, is round, and is fixed in place (does not move). When cervical palpation is performed, the patient complains of some pain. The nurses interpretation of these results should be which of these? a. These findings are all within normal limits. b. Cervical consistency should be soft and velvety not firm. c. The cervix should move when palpated; an immobile cervix may indicate malignancy. d. Pain may occur during palpation of the cervix.

c. The cervix should move when palpated; an immobile cervix may indicate malignancy. Normally, the cervix feels smooth and firm, similar to the consistency of the tip of the nose. It softens and feels velvety at 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy (Goodell sign). The cervix should be evenly rounded. With a finger on either side, the examiner should be able to move the cervix gently from side to side, and doing so should produce no pain for the patient. Hardness of the cervix may occur with malignancy. Immobility may occur with malignancy, and pain may occur with inflammation or ectopic pregnancy.

During an internal examination of a womans genitalia, the nurse will use which technique for proper insertion of the speculum? a. The woman is instructed to bear down, the speculum blades are opened and applied in a swift, upward movement. b. The blades of the speculum are inserted on a horizontal plane, turning them to a 30-degree angle while continuing to insert them. The woman is asked to bear down after the speculum is inserted. c. The woman is instructed to bear down, the width of the blades are horizontally turned, and the speculum is inserted downward at a 45-degree angle toward the small of the woman's back. d. The blades are locked open by turning the thumbscrew. Once the blades are open, pressure is applied to the introitus and the blades are inserted downward at a 45-degree angle to bring the cervix into view.

c. The woman is instructed to bear down, the width of the blades are horizontally turned, and the speculum is inserted downward at a 45-degree angle toward the small of the woman's back. The examiner should instruct the woman to bear down, turn the width of the blades horizontally, and insert the speculum at a 45-degree angle downward toward the small of the womans back. (See the text under Speculum Examination for more detail.)

A woman states that 2 weeks ago she had a urinary tract infection that was treated with an antibiotic. As a part of the interview, the nurse should ask, Have you noticed any: a. Changes in your urination patterns? b. Excessive vaginal bleeding? c. Unusual vaginal discharge or itching? d. Changes in your desire for intercourse?

c. Unusual vaginal discharge or itching?

When the nurse is interviewing a preadolescent girl, which opening question would be least threatening? a. Do you have any questions about growing up? b. What has your mother told you about growing up? c. When did you notice that your body was changing? d. I remember being very scared when I got my period. How do you think youll feel?

c. When did you notice that your body was changing? Open-ended questions such as, When did you ? rather than Do you ? should be asked. Open-ended questions are less threatening because they imply that the topic is normal and unexceptional.

A 46-year-old woman is in the clinic for her annual gynecologic examination. She voices a concern about ovarian cancer because her mother and sister died of it. Which statement does the nurse know to be correct regarding ovarian cancer? a. Ovarian cancer rarely has any symptoms. b. The Pap smear detects the presence of ovarian cancer. c. Women at high risk for ovarian cancer should have annual transvaginal ultrasonography for screening. d. Women over age 40 years should have a thorough pelvic examination every 3 years.

c. Women at high risk for ovarian cancer should have annual transvaginal ultrasonography for screening. With ovarian cancer, the patient may have abdominal pain, pelvic pain, increased abdominal size, bloating, and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms; or she may be asymptomatic. The Pap smear does not detect the presence of ovarian cancer. Annual transvaginal ultrasonography may detect ovarian cancer at an earlier stage in women who are at high risk for developing it.

Which statement would be most appropriate when the nurse is introducing the topic of sexual relationships during an interview? a. Now, it is time to talk about your sexual history. When did you first have intercourse? b. Women often feel dissatisfied with their sexual relationships. Would it be okay to discuss this now? c. Women often have questions about their sexual relationship and how it affects their health. Do you have any questions? d. Most women your age have had more than one sexual partner. How many would you say you have had?

c. Women often have questions about their sexual relationship and how it affects their health. Do you have any questions? The nurse should begin with an open-ended question to assess individual needs.

The most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States is: a. gonorrhea. b. syphilis. c. chlamydia. d. trichomoniasis.

c. chlamydia. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.

Decreased estrogen levels during menopause cause: a. an enlargement of the uterus. b. pelvic muscles and ligaments to tighten. c. the ovaries to atrophy. d. the cervix to enlarge and turn blue.

c. the ovaries to atrophy. Decreased estrogen levels during menopause cause atrophy of the ovaries. Decreased estrogen levels during menopause cause the uterus to shrink related to a decrease in the myometrium. Decreased estrogen levels during menopause cause the sacral ligaments to relax and the pelvic musculature to weaken, which causes the uterus to drop. Decreased estrogen levels during menopause cause the cervix to shrink and look pale with a thick, glistening epithelium.

A 35-year-old woman is at the clinic for a gynecologic examination. During the examination, she asks the nurse, How often do I need to have this Pap test done? Which reply by the nurse is correct? a. It depends. Do you smoke? b. A Pap test needs to be performed annually until you are 65 years of age. c. If you have two consecutive normal Pap tests, then you can wait 5 years between tests. d. After age 30 years, if you have three consecutive normal Pap tests, then you may be screened every 2 to 3 years.

d. After age 30 years, if you have three consecutive normal Pap tests, then you may be screened every 2 to 3 years. Cervical cancer screening with the Pap test continues annually until age 30 years. After age 21, regardless of sexual history or activity, women should be screened every 3 years until age 30, then every 5 years until age 65.

A woman who is 8 weeks pregnant is in the clinic for a checkup. The nurse reads on her chart that her cervix is softened and looks cyanotic. The nurse knows that the woman is exhibiting __________ sign and __________ sign. a. Tanner; Hegar b. Hegar; Goodell c. Chadwick; Hegar d. Goodell; Chadwick

d. Goodell; Chadwick

A 22-year-old woman is being seen at the clinic for problems with vulvar pain, dysuria, and fever. On physical examination, the nurse notices clusters of small, shallow vesicles with surrounding erythema on the labia. Inguinal lymphadenopathy present is also present. The most likely cause of these lesions is: a. Pediculosis pubis. b. Contact dermatitis. c. HPV. d. Herpes simplex virus type 2.

d. Herpes simplex virus type 2. Herpes simplex virus type 2 exhibits clusters of small, shallow vesicles with surrounding erythema that erupt on the genital areas. Inguinal lymphadenopathy is also present. The woman reports local pain, dysuria, and fever. (See Table 26-2 for more information and the descriptions of the other conditions.)

A 22-year-old woman has been considering using oral contraceptives. As a part of her health history, the nurse should ask: a. Do you have a history of heart murmurs? b. Will you be in a monogamous relationship? c. Have you carefully thought this choice through? d. If you smoke, how many cigarettes do you smoke per day?

d. If you smoke, how many cigarettes do you smoke per day? Oral contraceptives, together with cigarette smoking, increase the risk for cardiovascular side effects.

A 25-year-old woman comes to the emergency department with a sudden fever of 38.3 C and abdominal pain. Upon examination, the nurse notices that she has rigid, boardlike lower abdominal musculature. When the nurse tries to perform a vaginal examination, the patient has severe pain when the uterus and cervix are moved. The nurse knows that these signs and symptoms are suggestive of: a. Endometriosis. b. Uterine fibroids. c. Ectopic pregnancy. d. Pelvic inflammatory disease.

d. Pelvic inflammatory disease. These signs and symptoms are suggestive of acute pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as acute salpingitis (see Table 26-7). (For the descriptions of endometriosis and uterine fibroids, see Table 26-6; for a description of ectopic pregnancy, see Table 26-7.)

A 65-year-old woman is in the office for routine gynecologic care. She had a complete hysterectomy 3 months ago after cervical cancer was detected. Which statement does the nurse know to be true regarding this visit? a. Her cervical mucosa will be red and dry looking. b. She will not need to have a Pap smear performed. c. The nurse can expect to find that her uterus will be somewhat enlarged and her ovaries small and hard. d. The nurse should plan to lubricate the instruments and the examining hand adequately to avoid a painful examination.

d. The nurse should plan to lubricate the instruments and the examining hand adequately to avoid a painful examination. In the aging adult woman, natural lubrication is decreased; therefore, to avoid a painful examination, the nurse should take care to lubricate the instruments and the examining hand adequately. Menopause, with the resulting decrease in estrogen production, shows numerous physical changes. The cervix shrinks and looks pale and glistening. With the bimanual examination, the uterus feels smaller and firmer and the ovaries are not normally palpable. Women should continue cervical cancer screening up to age 65 years if they have an intact cervix and are in good health. Women who have had a total hysterectomy do not need cervical cancer screening if they have 3 consecutive negative Pap tests or 2 or more consecutive negative HIV and Pap tests within the last 10 years.

During a health history, a 22-year old woman asks, Can I get that vaccine for human papilloma virus (HPV)? I have genital warts and Id like them to go away! What is the nurses best response? a. The HPV vaccine is for girls and women ages 9 to 26 years, so we can start that today. b. This vaccine is only for girls who have not yet started to become sexually active. c. Lets check with the physician to see if you are a candidate for this vaccine. d. The vaccine cannot protect you if you already have an HPV infection.

d. The vaccine cannot protect you if you already have an HPV infection.

The first sign of puberty in girls is: a. the first menstrual cycle (menarche). b. axillary hair development. c. rapid increase in height. d. breast and pubic hair development.

d. breast and pubic hair development. The first signs of puberty are breast and pubic hair development, beginning between 8½ and 13 years of age. These signs usually occur together, but it is not abnormal if they do not develop together. This development takes about 3 years to complete. Menarche occurs during the latter half of the sequence of breast and pubic hair development, just after the peak of growth velocity. Coarse curly hairs develop in the pubic area first and then in the axillae.

Dysmenorrhea is: a. painful intercourse. b. pain with defecation. c. pain with urination. d. pain associated with menstruation.

d. pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is the abdominal cramping and pain associated with menstruation. Dyspareunia is the term to describe painful intercourse. Dyschezia is pain with bowel movements. Dysuria describes pain or burning with urination.

A deep recess formed by the peritoneum between the rectum and the cervix is called: a. the Chadwick sign. b. cystocele. c. rectocele. d. rectouterine pouch.

d. rectouterine pouch. The rectouterine pouch (or cul-de-sac of Douglas) is the deep recess between the rectum and the cervix. The cervical mucosa during the second month of pregnancy is blue, which is termed the Chadwick sign. The cervix may also turn blue in any condition causing hypoxia or venous congestion. A cystocele is an abnormality of the pelvic musculature in which the bladder prolapses into the vagina. A rectocele is an abnormality of the pelvic musculature in which the rectum prolapses into the vagina.