A 20-year-old female asks the nurse when she should begin having pelvic examinations. Which question should the nurse ask before responding?

Question

1. "Are you on any medications?"
2. "Do you have a boyfriend?"
3. "Are you sexually active?"
4. "Are you asking because you think you are pregnant?"

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Asking about medications is too broad a question and does not give the nurse information about the patient's sexual practices.
Rationale 2: Having a boyfriend does not always indicate sexual activity.
Rationale 3: The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that pelvic examinations begin about 3 years after the initiation of sexual intercourse but no later than 21 years of age.
Rationale 4: Pregnancy is a reason for a pelvic examination, but it is not the only reason. The nurse should also not assume that the patient may be pregnant.