Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What instruction should a nurse provide to a client scheduled for a Pap test?

Avoid douching for 48 hours prior

Avoid intercourse for 24 hours before the examination

For a client scheduled for a Pap test, advising the client to avoid intercourse for 24 hours before the examination is crucial. Engaging in sexual activity shortly before the test can introduce bacteria and alter the vaginal environment, potentially leading to inaccurate results. The Pap test is designed to sample cells from the cervix, and any disruption to the vaginal flora or the presence of semen could affect the clarity and reliability of the sample.

In contrast, while avoiding douching is generally recommended prior to a Pap test, the suggested 48 hours might not be as critical as avoiding intercourse. Taking a warm bath may not have a significant impact on the test and vaginal suppositories are typically advised against, as they can interfere with the test results. Focused guidance about intercourse helps ensure that the test accurately reflects cervical health, thereby promoting effective disease prevention strategies.

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Take a warm bath before the appointment

It is okay to use vaginal suppositories before the test

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