The nurse is to tell a patient that her Pap smear result was abnormal. Which statement should the nurse include?

Question

1. "The Pap smear is used to diagnose cervical cancer."
2. "A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is needed."
3. "Colposcopy to further examine your cervix is the next step."
4. "Your cervix needs to be treated with cryotherapy."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: The Pap smear is a screening tool for cervical abnormalities; it is not diagnostic.
Rationale 2: Although LEEP (the removal of the surface tissue of the cervix) might be performed to treat cervical dysplasia or carcinoma in situ, this patient has not had a diagnostic examination yet.
Rationale 3: Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix through a magnifying device. Solutions are often painted onto the cervix and surrounding tissue and observed for changes secondary to the application of the solution. Biopsy samples are taken of suspected abnormal tissue and sent for pathologic examination and diagnosis. Endocervical canal biopsy is often undertaken with colposcopy.
Rationale 4: Cryotherapy, or freezing of the cervix, is one treatment option for precancerous cervical lesions. However, this patient does not yet have a diagnosis; she has only had an abnormal screening test.