Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Female Physiologic Processes Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Female Physiologic Processes related questions and content

A nurse practitioner is preparing to perform a patients scheduled Pap smear and the patient asks the nurse to ensure that the speculum is well-lubricated. How should the nurse proceed with assessment?

  • A. Reassure the patient that ample petroleum jelly will be used.
  • B. Reassure that patient that a water-based lubricant will be used.
  • C. Explain to the patient that water is the only lubricant that can be used.
  • D. Explain to the patient why the speculum must be introduced dry.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Because lubricants may obscure cells on a Pap smear, warm water is the only lubricant that can be used to facilitate speculum insertion without compromising test results. Petroleum jelly and water-based lubricants can interfere with cell collection, and a dry speculum may cause discomfort and is not preferred.